The Carolina Hurricanes got some great news on April 28, when they landed the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Who do they go with?
With the 2018 NHL Entry Draft Lottery a thing of the past now, it’s time to turn our attention to how the Carolina Hurricanes can put together a good list of selections. Carolina got very lucky in the draft lottery, landing the No. 2 overall pick despite the slim chances to do so.
The only team ahead of the Canes in the draft order is a fellow Eastern Conference squad in the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo head coach Phil Housley has to be thrilled about getting the chance to improve his roster around a budding superstar in American forward Jack Eichel.
Moreover, this is a great opportunity for the Canes to get that final push they need to break a nine year long playoff drought (longest active streak in the NHL). The last time this franchise qualified for the postseason came two seasons before the debut of assistant captain forward Jeff Skinner, during the 2008-09 campaign.
This is some of the best luck sent the Canes way in a long time. They now can add one final piece to a very potent young group of forwards. Skilled forwards like Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Teravainen, Valentin Zykov, Warren Foegele, Brock McGinn, and Skinner also have to be excited.
The projected first overall pick in this draft for a long time now is current Frolunda defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. More than likely, Dahlin ends up falling to a team that drastically needs help along the blue line in the Sabres.
Here’s the five best prospects that the Carolina Hurricanes should scout and pursue with their second overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.