The Carolina Hurricanes hold the 13th and 21st overall picks in the draft. We are breaking down the prospects the Hurricanes have a chance at skaters ranked 10-21.
The Carolina Hurricanes missed out on the playoffs again this year, but the good news is the team holds two first round picks, and seven picks in the first three rounds. Last year saw the draft successes of Noah Hanifin and Sebastian Aho, but what will this year hold.
Luke Kunin, C – University of Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
Height/Weight: 5’11/192 lbs
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth: December 4, 1997 (Age 18)
Place of Birth: Chesterfield, MO, USA
Final NHL Scouting Report: 16th among North American Skaters
Luke Kunin is coming off a successful Freshman season at the University of Wisconsin and has attracted the attention of many NHL head scouts. In his first season at the NCAA level he averaged almost a point of game, registering 32 total points (19g, 13a) in 34 games.
Kunin possesses great hockey IQ that puts him at the right place at the right time. His positioning and constant movement in the offensive zone make him tough to defend against. He is noted as having very quick hands giving him a deadly wrist shot.
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Kunin is also a menacing presence in front of the net. His great vision and quick hands allow him to deflect shots and quickly react to loose pucks to score rebound goals. His diverse scoring abilities from in front of the net makes him unpredictable to opposing defenses.
His quick hands and great vision also allow him to feed teammates the puck to create scoring chances. Kunin is a shoot first, pass second guy, but passing isn’t a disadvantage for him. He is able to find teammates at the right time to create goal opportunities.
The only knock on Kunin is his skating ability. While his top end speed is good, he lacks acceleration. He is getting beat in foot races to open pucks and rebounds by not being able to get up to top speed quickly. A lack in speed at the NCAA level wont help him when he plays against larger and faster players in the NHL
Luke has also proven to be a great leader throughout his career. He was named the Captain of the USA U18 World Championship team. During that competition he scored 6 goals over 7 games while leading the team to a gold medal.
Kunin also served as the Captain on the USA U18 team in the US Player Development Program and as an Alternate Captain for the USA U17 Team. It is good to see that Kunin is playing against top young talent from across the world, and leading his teams while doing it.
What does it mean for the Carolina Hurricanes?
Kunin is the type of player that the Carolina Hurricanes will be looking for in the draft. The Hurricanes need scoring, which Kunin can provide. The Hurricanes also need mature players taht can calm the more unpredictable players down. Being able to pass and finish would help take the pressure off of smaller players like Sebastian Aho and Jeff Skinner.
His leadership abilities could help with the young roster of the Carolina Hurricanes. With no current captain, a player like Kunin could help calm other players even when he first makes the NHL. His comfort level and leadership will only continue to improve the longer he plays.
Centers are always at a premium in the draft due to being a more specialized forward position. His net front presence, and high hockey IQ make him a highly coveted center. These can often be the toughest aspects for centers to develop.
Next: Carolina Hurricanes 2016 Draft Profile: Tyson Jost
Many mock drafts have him going from 15-19. Depending on who goes ahead of him GM’s could jump on him sooner. Ron Francis will definitely be keeping his eye on Kunin, and if he is still available, Francis may not be able to pass.