Carolina Hurricanes: 10 thoughts after first quarter of the season
![RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 24: Derek Ryan #7 and Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate Ryan's goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL game on November 24, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 24: Derek Ryan #7 and Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate Ryan's goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL game on November 24, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bd8ce086c0b9c26a51247911dc7217707ad160825f2dba1373db20b3266fb533.jpg)
5. Haydn Fleury has a bright future
Among all the young defenders, the only that’s a rookie is Haydn Fleury. While Fleury’s offensive production is not huge to start off his career, that’s not where he’s needed. He’s got four points in 19 games played.
The best part about Fleury’s stat line is his plus/minus at a plus 6. He’s tied with Teuvo Teravainen for second on the team in that regard. Jordan Staal leads in plus/minus at a plus 8. Fleury is a positive presence on the third defensive pairing.
In fact, Fleury was recently put up on the second defensive pairing alongside co-captain Justin Faulk. Fleury’s defensive prowess helps make the other defender playing with him look much better. He picks up where Faulk or Noah Hanifin lacks in the defensive zone.
As the 2014 first round pick, Fleury looks ready to be a big part of this team moving forward. He has the potential to be one of the best defenders in his own zone in the league. And, it might not take long for him to reach that point.