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Carolina Hurricanes: Top 5 Potential Hidden Gems in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft

By Matthew Nidiffer

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: The jumbotron shows Andrei Svechnikov react after being selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: The jumbotron shows Andrei Svechnikov react after being selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 1: Spencer Knight changes stations during the 2019 NHL Scouting Combine on June 1, 2019 at Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 1: Spencer Knight changes stations during the 2019 NHL Scouting Combine on June 1, 2019 at Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /

5. Spencer Knight

Spencer Knight is going to be a starting goalie. This is, so far, a given. Knight is projected to be drafted either late in the 1st Round, or early in the 2nd Round. He’ll be the highest projected pick in this list, mainly because of his early projection. While technically not a ‘hidden gem’, I’d be entirely remiss if I didn’t mention this future superstar.

Knight is a phenomenal goaltender who is as close to being NHL-ready as a young player can be. A year in the AHL might be necessary to accustom the young netminder to a faster, more physical style of play, but I have no doubt he will make an impact on whichever NHL roster he ends up on.

If he’s still available by the first of the Hurricanes 2nd Round picks, I’d strongly recommend that the Hurricanes pick him up. Callum Booth, Jeremy Helvig, and Alex Nedeljkovic are all developing nicely, but it never hurts to have an absolute stud of a goalie in your system.

His current stats are solid for someone his age; a .913% save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average in 33 games played. Knight has been praised for his rebound control, as well as his communication and explosive lateral speed. The #1 Goalie prospect is sure to turn more than a few heads at the draft this year. Let’s hope Waddell’s is one of them.

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