Carolina Hurricanes: Can the Canes Build a Dynasty: Part 1
The Carolina Hurricanes have done it. They have overcome the ten-year demon for which as haunted this franchise. As the team looks ahead to the coming road, a road that will test their merits us fans have an opportunity to look toward a bigger picture.
The question is, is there a limit to the heights in which this team can reach? What a season it has been. Carolina Hurricanes fans are still getting accustomed to hockey in April, but are undoubtedly enjoying the unchecked elation of avoiding another year biding time for the lottery.
The team that has so often felt like the NHL’s unwanted son has finally found their place. The Carolina Hurricanes have set the world on fire with heir eccentric post-game celebrations and patented physical brand of hockey to put the entire league on notice.
I, however, would not count this team out for a continued presence in such playoffs. Tom Dundon will not simply be satisfied with a simple single playoff berth. This team, if the right steps are taken, can become a perennial contender; dare I say, a Carolina Dynasty.
Are you ready? pic.twitter.com/eKtUFqXYWd
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 8, 2019
In this three-part series, we will examine the Carolina Hurricanes, and this potential road of success; both what is already in place, and what needs to be addressed. Along the way we’ll discuss what has produced some of the greatest hockey teams of the modern era, while also exploring some of the dynastic sports franchises who line the pantheon of professional sports history.
There is no certain mathematical equation which builds a dynasty, there are only two things to consider; knowing the game, and being lucky. I would argue that the Carolina Hurricanes have already proven they know their game, and if their luck can continue, then Hurricanes fans are in for one crazy ride.
Without further ado, Building the Carolina Hurricanes Dynasty Episode 1: The Kids are the Future
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.
Andrei Svechnikov of the @NHLCanes is the first player born in the 2000s to score an NHL goal. #NHLStats #NHLFaceoff pic.twitter.com/WEshcV9g1j
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 8, 2018
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
The Lessons of Dynasties Past
Consider the Chicago Blackhawks. One of the most successful franchises of recent hockey history, this team has won more Stanley Cups since 2010 than the Hurricanes have participated in since their inception. This team has perfected the development of young talent, consistently building prominent young talent around two of the greatest players in the history of that franchise, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
To comprehend how good the Blackhawks are at player development, just consider the players they were forced to part with. Artemi Panarin has never had less than 70 points and was traded, Brandon Saad is 26 with three 50 point seasons and was traded, and Carolina’s own Teraveinen was given to the team for almost nothing due to the monetary constraints of a team with so much talent.
These players equate to wins, and if the Hurricanes continue on their path, they should be able to build a similar monster. These future contributors for Carolina are both young and have proven to be talented; yet, every one of them will go as far as their coaching takes them.
Rod Brind’Amour has done an incredible job in his first year leading the team he captained to a Stanley Cup Championship. But he knows that this team isn’t content being a part of the postseason, they want to be the last one standing. For that dream to become reality, Rod needs to put his stamp on these young players.
The past nine years, this would have been the end-of-season interview day for the Canes at PNC Arena. A lot of somber talk about what comes next. Today, Rod Brind'Amour and the players will be at PNC Arena talking about the playoffs, about the Caps. That's next.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) April 8, 2019
Bill Belichick is a revered name in Sports lore. He is the grandmaster of the NFL, and no matter what talent seems to be absent from his roster, the man always finds a way to compete. I am, in no way, comparing Rod Brind’Amour to Bill Belichick, but Belichick does provide the ultimate example of why coaching is essential.
No matter the youth, the experience, the ineptitude, or the brilliance composed of a roster, the development of players lies on coaching and management. For this team to build a dynasty, it is RBA who much develop these young players and must transition their talent into results. If he can, then this team should be on its way to NHL dominance.
Trending. Carolina Hurricanes: 3 Games That Saved the Season. light
In Part 1 of this series we discussed the vitality of young talent. For every team that achieves success in sports, however, there is always an emphasis on balance. It is that balance that forms the foundation for greatness to blossom. Keep an eye out for the next part in our series, where we take a deeper dive into what that means for the Carolina Hurricanes quest for a dynasty.