Carolina Hurricanes: 5 most important players for Playoff run in 2017-18

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If the Carolina Hurricanes are to make the NHL Playoffs this season, these five players would be the most important part of that run.

If there was one accomplishment that Carolina Hurricanes fans would cherish the most in the 2017-18 NHL season, it would be making the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons. The current playoff drought is not only killing attendance, but it’s even drawing rumors that the franchise could leave Raleigh, NC before too long.

However, when the Canes have showed promise, the fans have shown out. A lot of the reason that fans could fill the stands this season is the amount of talent brought in by general manager Ron Francis during the offseason. Francis did a great job bringing some top notch talent and familiar faces to the Canes to bolster the roster.

Possibly the most exciting acquisition was Justin Williams being brought over from the Washington Capitals. Williams saw a ton of success after leaving Carolina where he won Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings and consistently contended in the Eastern Conference with the Capitals.

Another huge addition was goaltender Scott Darling, who was brought over in a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks. With Cam Ward being phased out, Darling should be a solid addition between the pipes.

A few other names to watch that are new to the roster include Trevor van Riemsdyk, Marcus Kruger, and Martin Necas. All of these players will play a huge role in whatever success that Carolina ultimately sees this season. Yet, the opportunity with the Canes is also huge.

Now, let’s take a look at the five most important players for the Carolina Hurricanes to make a run to the NHL Playoffs in 2017-18.

EDMONTON, AB – OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Teuvo Teravainen Left Wing

Scouting Report

Often the forgotten player on the first line of forwards for the Canes, Teuvo Teravainen is a naturally gifted scorer. He combines with Jordan Staal and Justin Williams to form one of the most underrated top lines in the Eastern Conference.

If the Canes want to be successful on offense this season, it starts with players like Teravainen. The release that Teravainen possesses is absolutely lethal. He scored his first two goals of the season against the Edmonton Oilers as well.

Teravainen posted a career-high in points last season with the Canes with 42. He’ll be counted on to manage at least 45-50 and at least 20 goals. Tervainen definitely has the talent to get that accomplished. However, it’s just a matter of the Canes putting forward a consistent offensive effort for the majority of the 2017-18 campaign.

CALGARY, AB – OCTOBER 19: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 19, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Jordan Staal Center

Scouting Report

It seems like almost every season in Canes history would feature a Staal on this list. Jordan Staal had a big game against the Oilers, much like Teuvo Teravainen. Staal tallied four points (his only points of the season so far) in that game.

The reach that Staal has combined with a sneaky ability to work around defenders when entering the zone gives the Canes a unique skill set on the first line. Ever since coming over from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Staal has been a considerable part of this team.

He was even named a co-captain, along with defenseman Justin Faulk during the off-season. His point total has hovered around 45-55 during his career, when healthy. That type of production will be needed again.

Carolina’s offense was not consistent last season and has started the same way again this season. Staal will be an integral part of a potential playoff run if it were to happen.

RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 10: Scott Darling #33 of the Carolina Hurricanes deflects a Columbus Blue Jackets shot during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Scott Darling Goalie

Scouting Report

The goaltending situation has not been friendly to Carolina for the last few seasons. Anton Khudobin was the last reliable goalie besides Cam Ward within the last five or six seasons, and he was out of Raleigh pretty quick.

The acquisition of Scott Darling not only adds excitement to the franchise, the Canes have already shown commitment to him with a four-year contract extension. Darling posted some great numbers backing up Corey Crawford with the Chicago Blackhawks as well.

Ward played well in his lone start of the season, saving 48 of 51 shots against the Oilers. However, Darling is the set in stone starter as Ward is seemingly getting phased out during a declining period in the latter stages of his career.

A performance that saw Darling make 25 saves and only give up one goal to the Calgary Flames is a very encouraging sign. Ever since he let up four goals to the Minnesota Wild in the season opener, Darling’s performances have gotten better and better.

RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 7: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes lifts the puck over a sprawling Alex Stalock #32 of the Minnesota Wild during the shootout of an NHL game on October 7, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Jaccob Slavin Defense

Scouting Report

As one of the most underrated defenders in the NHL, Jaccob Slavin provides an anchor for the Canes that very few teams have the luxury of getting on the blue line. Slavin and Brett Pesce are a lock down top defensive pairing for the Canes.

Showing some offensive spark is an added aspect to Slavin’s game over the second half of the 2016-17 season and the beginning of the 2017-18 season as well. That ability on offense gives Slavin a legitimate chance to contend for the Norris Trophy this season.

A successful season for the Canes is likely to start with all the talent from the six defenders. Slavin is just the best of the group. Pesce, Justin Faulk, Haydn Fleury, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Noah Hanifin all give Carolina added versatility as well.

Slavin was second among all Carolina defenseman in points last season with 34. At 23-years-old, Slavin should only get better from here. An All-Star appearance and increased spotlight could be just over the horizon for this talented defenseman.

WINNIPEG, MB – OCTOBER 14: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes takes a shot on goal during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on October 14, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This marks the 500th game of Skinner’s NHL career. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Jeff Skinner Left Wing

Scouting Report

Jeff Skinner is the best player on the Carolina roster. Nearing 40 goals last season solidified his spot as the most important player on the team as well. Skinner is nearing the pinnacle of his career and could be in for the best production of his career.

The skill and natural scoring touch of Skinner gives the Canes something that really no other player on this team can, and that’s the aspect of changing any game in the blink of an eye. Skinner already showed that ability against the Flames, Jets, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Five games into the season, Skinner already leads the Canes in goals with three. The prospect of reaching the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career is a very real possibility. He’ll need support from the rest of the team, though.

Next: 3 reasons Slavin could win the Norris

Skinner has never made it to the playoffs with the Canes before. Carolina made a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2008-09 season, just two years before Skinner made his NHL debut.

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If the Carolina Hurricanes are to make the NHL Playoffs this season, these five players would be the most important part of that run.

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