Carolina Hurricanes: Could Lucas Wallmark replace Jordan Staal?

Jordan Staal will not be around forever, but the role of the hard-checking defensive center that is tough in the face-off circle will exist as long as hockey is played. Could Lucas Wallmark fill that role for the Carolina Hurricanes one day?

Lucas Wallmark is not a household name among Carolina Hurricanes fans. Very few number 71 jerseys are scattered throughout PNC Arena when the Canes play at home. Yet, one would be hard pressed to say that Lucas Wallmark has not been a huge contributor to the Canes’ recent success. Much like the previously-covered wrecking-ball that is Brock McGinn, Wallmark’s contributions can’t always be seen on the score sheet. We shouldn’t overlook the fact he possesses a nasty wrister in transition that has frozen a few goalies as it goes one hole into the back of the net!

Wrist shot aside, Lucas Wallmark possesses the intangibles that could very well make him a serviceable number two (and number one in a pinch) center as he further develops down the road. Wallmark currently ranks third on the team in face-off percentage, even though those numbers are skewed due to the fact the two in front of him, Greg Mckegg and Jordan Staal, have taken fewer face-offs due to Staal’s injury and McKegg’s mid-season call-up. He has perhaps been a touch unlucky to have been shunted down the lineup due to Staal’s impressive return from injury.

Wallmark’s 50.1% face-off win percentage remains a respectable number for such a young player at the beginning of his career – even Ryan O’Reilly, considered among the very best in the NHL on the dot, had just a 47.8% win rate in his first 81 career games. After 84 career games, Wallmark sports a 50.6% win ratio – so if he can continue to improve over the next couple of seasons, he could very well be the go-to guy on this team for key face-offs.

Wallmark further proved his value to the Carolina Hurricanes when Jordan Staal was out with a concussion by taking on a bigger responsibility defensively, and by playing on the second power play unit. His blue collar efforts can be reflected in his 63 blocked shots and succinct 7.4% shooting percentage, which has registered 8 goals on just 106 shots. Couple that with 16 assists for an admirable 24 points in his first full season in Raleigh, and it’s been a very solid campaign for the young Swede.

While consistency on the score sheet may seem like an issue, Wallmark has made up for it by remaining fundamentally sound in a role increased due to injuries. The rotating carousel of healthy scratches won’t last forever, and when it settles Wallmark will be a mainstay within the lineup. He possesses the traditional skill set of a third line center, which to the hockey novice may seem underwhelming and unimpressive. Yet, one must not forget that all great teams are built for the long haul, not just merely an 82 game season that ends in early April. If the Carolina Hurricanes have the talent to make Wallmark their long-term 3C, then this team is going to be good for a long time to come.

Any team that wants to win the Stanley Cup must be deep down the middle to sustain the wear and tear of hockey into May and June. While Lucas Wallmark may never be a top line center, and may never see an All Star Game or award ceremony, the soft-spoken Swede could provide the much-needed help down the middle that this young and developing Carolina Hurricanes team needs as they build up for seasons lasting way past game #82.

Like all young players, Lucas Wallmark is far from a polished product. With the team having him locked up in a contract until the 2021 season, and the end of the Jordan Staal era (or error depending on who you ask) following shortly thereafter, Wallmark could likely assume the role of the Canes’ go-to defensive forward that dominates the face-off circle.