Things may not always look bright for the Carolina Hurricanes, but we should always remember that there is a solid core of prospects working its way up through the system that we should all remain positive about.
Widely considered a top 5 prospect system, the Carolina Hurricanes have built a vast pool of prospects that are starting to show promise, especially in Charlotte. Now that we’re well over the halfway point in the season, let’s check in on how our prospects are doing.
In the NHL
All eyes are on Andrei Svechnikov, of course. Until last night’s explosion of offense – where he posted a goal and two assists on the road against the Edmonton Oilers – the rookie seemed to have hit “the wall”. His last goal before last night was on 12/31 vs. Philadelphia. In the nine games after that, he averaged 14 minutes of ice time with the Carolina Hurricanes.
So, what gives? Well, one has to wonder if he’s been being more careful as he has really struggled with minor stick penalties. He currently sits 6th in the league in total penalties this season and tied for second in the league in minor penalties (with Max Domi and Evander Kane).
I think anyone who has watched Svechnikov throughout the season will agree that he has vastly improved over where he was to begin the season. He has had some games where you just go wow, that’s why he was the 2nd overall pick. Almost all rookies go through droughts – but after last night, we may now begin to see more goals like this one he scored in Montreal:
ANDREI SVECHNIKOV. He burns Shea Weber and roofs it on Carey Price. Beautiful goal. 1-0 Hurricanes. pic.twitter.com/q6e3Qvc2Yq
— Brett Finger (@brettfinger) December 14, 2018
Other Rookies in Raleigh
Warren Foegele may not always show it on the score sheet, but there’s little to no doubt in my mind he should be playing in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes. He is almost always buzzing, granted not a ton of good has come from it, as so far as he currently sits with 6G+4A through 48 Games. However, he creates chances and does everything right until it comes to shooting the puck, or so it feels at times. What will it take to help Foegele make his game more complete?
We should also talk about Saku Maenalanen, the Carolina Hurricanes’ sneaky off-season pickup. Through 11 games, he has 4G+1A. He’s looked quite solid on the ice. If he can maintain even a portion on his current production, one has to think he certainly has a role in the bottom-6 of this team moving forward.
Saku Maenalanen SNIPES a bouncing puck by Rinne. 2-0 Hurricanes. pic.twitter.com/cM9zcJlpaF
— Brett Finger (@brettfinger) January 13, 2019
The Carolina Hurricanes have a nice blend of youth, veterans, and fresh faces – but who will be next from the Charlotte production line?