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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 – MAY 30: Layton Ahac poses for a headshot at the NHL Scouting Combine on May 30, 2019 at Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – MAY 30: Layton Ahac poses for a headshot at the NHL Scouting Combine on May 30, 2019 at Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Layton Ahac

Layton Ahac is the first defenseman on this list. Ahac is #2 on this list for many reasons, but the main one is that he reminds me of Jaccob Slavin. His play style is similar, albeit a bit more offensive-minded.

Ahac has committed to attend and play for Ohio State University for the 2019-20 season and beyond, and will only continue to develop in an upward trend. Ahac scored 4 goals and 28 assists for a combined 32 points with the Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL during the 2018-19 season.

The young blueliner is projected to be picked anywhere between 108th overall to 169th overall; my guess is closer to 115th-120th overall, but I digress. If Ahac plans on completing his college career, the earliest we could see him enter the league would be during the 2023-24 season. If Ahac continues to develop under Ohio State’s coaching staff, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the next few years.

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