Carolina Hurricanes: Top 5 Checkers Who Could Be Hurricanes Next Season

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 11: Charlotte Checkers goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (30) in goal during the second period of the American Hockey League game between the Charlotte Checkers and Cleveland Monsters on April 11, 2019, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 11: Charlotte Checkers goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (30) in goal during the second period of the American Hockey League game between the Charlotte Checkers and Cleveland Monsters on April 11, 2019, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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HERSHEY, PA – FEBRUARY 09: Charlotte Checkers center Andrew Poturalski (22) stickhandles a rolling puck during the Charlotte Checkers vs. Hershey Bears AHL game February 9, 2019 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HERSHEY, PA – FEBRUARY 09: Charlotte Checkers center Andrew Poturalski (22) stickhandles a rolling puck during the Charlotte Checkers vs. Hershey Bears AHL game February 9, 2019 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Andrew Poturalski

Andrew Poturalski is a leader, both on and off the ice. The Checkers have relished in having him on the roster this year, and the Hurricanes could soon be doing the same.

Poturalski finished out the AHL regular season with 23 goals and 47 assists, totaling in 70 points in 72 games played. Poturalski is a solid netfront presence, and is extremely skilled at finding the open man in any given offensive situation.

https://twitter.com/TheAHL/status/1121466400961220608

Poturalski is tremendously versatile, and could pair well with Sebastian Aho, Warren Foegele, and even Teuvo Teravainen. The young forward could provide the playmaking skills that could lead to even more offensive chances (and hopefully goals) by both Aho and Teravainen. I personally draw many playing style comparisons between Poturalski and Hurricanes’ winger Nino Niederreiter, as evidenced by the video clip above.

Andrew has been seen as a top prospect for some time, but has struggled the past few season at making the transition up to the NHL. I believe we are about to see that trend come to a close this fall.

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