Carolina Hurricanes: Can the Canes Build a Dynasty: Part 1

The Kids are the Future

For this team to develop into the hockey powerhouse that many of us hope , there is one necessity; the development of young talent. Young, talented players are the life blood of any NHL franchise, and its no different for Carolina.

The team’s defensive group seems to be overflowing with such talent. Led by the likes of 24-year-old defensive forces  Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce, combined with the veteran tandem of Dougie Hamilton and Justin Faulk, all blend together to form a defensive group that seems ready to compete now.

Most of the teams forward group also consists of contributors wrought with youthful experience. Teuvo Teravainen is 24 years old with a Stanley Cup championship and two seasons with over 60 points, and Sebastian Aho is just 21 years of age, already boasting an  80-point campaign. The ultimate wildcard for this group is 19-year-old Andrei Svechnikov.

Drafted second overall in 2018,  Svechnikov has proven he is every bit the goal scorer the team thought he was, tallying 20 in his rookie season. The Russian sniper will be the teams second best offensive option if his development continues on this trajectory. Which bodes well for the teams continued rise to prominence, a rise cemented by these budding superstars.

Many fans understand that the day is soon approaching when beloved captain Justin Williams will inevitably ride off into the sunset and bring his magnificent career to a close; while long tenured Hurricanes, and former Stanley Cup Champion Jordan Staal is no longer the player he once was, but the Carolina Hurricanes may already have found their successors in their own building

Brock McGinn, a 25-year-old gritty forward who has steadily shown offensive capabilities through his career high 16 goals two seasons ago, may be asked to step in for the aging Williams. Could he consistently produce 20 goals, and be relied upon in crucial moments that head coach Rod Brind’Amour so often relied on Williams?

Lucas Wallmark was a pleasant surprise for Caniacs last year. The 23-year old center continued to show his ability to contribute this season with an elevated spot in the lineup. Could Wallmark emulate the physicality, defensive presence, and ability to be a major plus in both the face-off circle and in maintaining possession, that has defined Staal’s tenure as a Hurricane?

None of these players, however, have as high a ceiling as Martin Necas. The former 12th overall pick has been viewed as a top center prospect for Carolina. Playing in the AHL this year, Necas had 35 points in 49 games; numbers that reflect his gradual transition from the Czech league to the grandest stage. Necas will be asked to produce offensively, but the talent already on the roster will make his job much easier