Carolina Hurricanes and GM Ron Francis are currently gearing up for the 2016 NHL Draft. Lets take a look back at the big moves from last year’s draft have shaped the team for the future.
Barely half a week into the NHL’s offseason, the Carolina Hurricanes are already making splashes, trading for Bryan Bickell and Teuvo Teravainen. The trade comes just one week before the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, a draft that has Carolina making six selections in the first 75 picks. It could be a big week for the Hurricanes. General Manager Ron Francis will hope to continue his positive momentum in this upcoming draft from last year’s edition.
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The Hurricanes are already reaping the rewards only a year on from the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, a draft that was the franchise’s best since 2010. It may very well be the most important draft of Francis’ tenure as GM.
Of course, Noah Hanifin proved to be a tremendous asset for now and the future, but the ‘Canes front office made some over great selections. As the 2016 edition approaches, let’s take a look back at the past season from the draft class of 2015.
Sebastian Aho – 35th Overall
Carolina struck gold when Noah Hanifin fell into their laps at 5th overall, however, they probably weren’t expecting to find some more of that shinny stuff at the 35th overall pick. Going way off the board, Francis added Sebastian Aho to the ‘Canes prospect list.
After some original confusion on whether it was the Swedish defenseman or the Finnish forward, the Finnish Aho jetted off to ‘Canes Prospect Camp, scoring a hattrick in the in the camp’s squad scrimmage.
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That game should have been indication that Aho was a steal. This season, in 45 games for Finnish club Karpat, “Seabass” scored 20 goals and registered 25 assists, also adding 15 more points in the playoffs in 14 games.
Already a champion in league champion in Finland before being drafted, Aho added a World Junior Championship gold medal and World Championship silver to his illustrious trophy case. His incredible 2015-16 season earned him a spot on Team Finland for the World Cup of Hockey in September.
Aho has rocketed to top of the ‘Canes prospect list, and even many league wide lists. After signing an entry level deal, expectations are crazy high for this 19 year old rookie. It might be too hard to continue his meteoric rise, but there is no debating Aho’s skill, determination, and hockey sense. Carolina drafted a proven winner and will be thrilled they snagged him at 35th overall.
Callum Booth – 93rd Overall
Amidst the hype surrounding goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (a 2014 draft pick), its easy to forget about the Hurricanes other CHL goalie, Callum Booth. The 6’3 goalie is the first choice for the Quebec Remparts.
It was a tough season for both Booth and the Remparts. Usually a good team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Remparts struggled all season, especially defensively. Booth was constantly under duress and it reflected in this goals against average, which was higher than during his draft year. To make matters worse, Booth suffered a lower body injury in late February, effectively ending his season.
Despite the rough year overall, Booth saw greater responsibility with Quebec this season. He also managed to fractionally improve his save percentage from his draft year. Next season will be a telling one for Booth as he will once again be the Remparts main man in net. He also has a realistic chance to make the Canadian World Junior side for 2017. Carolina might have another goalie hot on Nedeljkovic’s heels.
Nicolas Roy – 96th Overall
Taken only three picks after Booth was centerman Nicolas Roy. Before the 2015 draft, Ron Francis stressed the need to get bigger and Roy definitely fits that mold. The kid is 6’4 and weighs nearly 200 pounds and uses his frame very well. He slipped into the 4th round due to apparent inconsistencies with his game.
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Roy responded by becoming an offensive dynamo in the QMJHL this past season. Playing for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Roy pocketed 48 goals, a league high, and totaled 90 points. On top of his outstanding offensive play, Roy exhibited great work in his own zone, becoming perhaps the league’s best two-way centerman.
Back in 2013, Roy was selected 1st overall in the “Q” Entry Draft and had a fantastic rookie season in junior hockey. His draft year didn’t see the improvement many people expected and he fell to Carolina in the 4th round.
Francis took a shot with Roy and all indications show that they could have hit a home run with this pick. Even though he is set to return to juniors this fall, Roy is sure to get a quality look in training camp.
Other Prospects
5th round selection Luke Stevens played his final season of high school hockey this past season. The 6’3 winger produced at a high level, scoring 24 goals in 28 games. He will be playing college hockey at Yale University in 2016-2017 and could factor into Carolina’s plans as a depth winger down the road.
The theme of size continues with center David Cotton. Drafted out of high school, Cotton jumped over to the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks for this past campaign. In his first USHL season, Cotton performed very well as a two-way center and also scored 15 goals in 48 games. He hopes to continue his success next year at Boston College.
With drafts, it is difficult to know if a team was successful until three years past as players need time to develop. The Hurricanes 2015 draft seems to buck that trend. Hanifin brought an instant impact at age 18. Sebastian Aho is flying high at the moment. Even the later picks, especially Nicolas Roy, have improved dramatically in just one season.
Next: Carolina Hurricanes 2016-2017 Schedule Released
A rebuild is always tough because it takes time. Ron Francis knows this as well as anyone. What he probably didn’t expect is that everything looks to be moving along faster than he predicted. The picks he and the scout department made in 2015 could very well be the defining moments of the Ronnie Franchise.