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Carolina Hurricanes: What went wrong this season?

By Andrew Miller

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 17: Carolina Hurricanes players unite after scoring a goal in the first period during the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Carolina Hurricanes on March 17, 2018, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 17: Carolina Hurricanes players unite after scoring a goal in the first period during the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Carolina Hurricanes on March 17, 2018, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 11: Valentin Zykov #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes shoots a puck during warmups prior to an NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 11, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 11: Valentin Zykov #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes shoots a puck during warmups prior to an NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 11, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Seldom used pipeline of prospects

Of all the frustrating roster moves pulled off by the Canes since the summer of 2017, calling up and sending down upstart forward Valentin Zykov in a matter of just 24 hours might have been the worst. Zykov sat out of the only game he could have played in, coming against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Carolina also called on defenseman Roland McKeown at one point to fill in for an injured Brett Pesce. McKeown showed a ton of potential and even contributed some offensively during his time with the big club. Whenever the Canes have called on someone from the Charlotte Checkers to join the roster, things have worked out pretty well.

However, for some reason, the front office and coaching staff don’t trust players from the Checkers all that much. Zykov seemed like a sure move that would help out the offense, and provide some depth on the top forward lines. Another player the Canes should have called up at some point is forward Warren Foegele.

Next: 5 reasons Bill Peters has outstayed his welcome with the Carolina Hurricanes

Moreover, the fans hope to see some of these potential stars in the NHL get their chance in the spotlight next season. For now, the Checkers get the benefit of a loaded roster while the Canes don’t take full advantage of all the resources available to them.

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