Carolina Hurricanes Prospects Put St. Johns at Top of League

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Julien Gauthier poses for a photo after being selected as the number twenty-one overall draft pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Julien Gauthier poses for a photo after being selected as the number twenty-one overall draft pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Saint Johns Sea Dogs (QMJHL), going for the Memorial Cup with several Carolina Hurricanes prospects

When you look at the success of the St Johns Sea Dogs this year the one thing that stands out is the number of Carolina Hurricanes prospects on the team.  As St. Johns sits on top of the QMJHL standings with 88 pts with a strong chance to play in the Memorial Cup.  This year the Canes prospects are working hard not only for team pride but to impress the Hurricanes management.

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Callum Booth, G (26-15, 918 sv%)

Booth was not always playing for the Sea Dogs this year, but fate brought him to St. Johns with his

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fellow Carolina Hurricanes prospects. For it being the QMJHL Booth pretty much has been a workhorse for both the teams he has played for so far this year.  St. Johns brought him in for the run to the championship.  This is Booth’s last year in the juniors and he is a seasoned veteran ready to take St. Johns to the promise land.  Next year I can see him with the Checkers taking a big step over some of the Canes other prospects.

Julien Gauthier, RW (14-32-46)

Gauthier is the talk of the town for the Carolina Hurricanes’ prospects.  Again, he was not playing for St. Johns at the beginning of the season and was brought in to win.  One thing we Caniacs have learned about Gauthier is that he is going to be a monster for the Canes.  This kid is 19 yrs old but 6’04” at 225 lbs.  What is amazing about this kid we all witnessed during the world juniors, where he really excelled with other players that have his speed.  I hope you are thinking about him and Aho?  This kid’s future is bright and I believe it starts next year with the Canes.

Next: Trade Deadline Wrapup

Spencer Smallman, (23-46-69)

 Why did I choose to talk about Smallman last? Just look at the numbers.  Not much is said about Smallman by any of the who’s who’s prospects notebooks.  This kid has quietly improved his numbers each year in the juniors.  The Canes drafted him in the 5th round. and the 6’01”, 196 lbs RW’er has been the Sea Dogs’ captain the past two seasons.  I believe that Smallman might not be in Raleigh next year, but once in Charlotte, he will start building the same rep that has made him a success in the QMJHL and then it won’t be much longer before the NHL will be calling.