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Carolina Hurricanes: 10 thoughts after first quarter of the season

By Andrew Miller

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) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 11: Noah Hanifin #5 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck on the ice during an NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 11, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 11: Noah Hanifin #5 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck on the ice during an NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 11, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

4. Noah Hanifin is developing nicely

With his third goal of the season against the Leafs, Hanifin extended his point lead among all Canes defensemen, with 11. He’s on pace to pass his career-best mark from last season with 29 points. His goal in the loss to the Leafs was clutch as well.

Playing alongside Faulk is helping the Canes and Hanifin out a lot. His eight assists are a direct result of putting a talented young defender in a good situation. When Hanifin played with Fleury, there were too many mistakes from two young players.

For a player that was the subject of quite a few trade rumors before the 2017 Trade Deadline, Hanifin has responded very well. Even if the Canes decide to ultimately dish out Hanifin, he’s going to be worth a lot to potential suitors.

Carolina might be able to get the first line center or superstar the franchise has needed for a while now. For the time being, Hanifin is the best offensive producer that the Canes have on the blue line.

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