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Carolina Hurricanes: Who to take in the NHL Draft 1st Round?

By Bryan Walsh

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 10: An NHL official holds the cards during The National Hockey League Draft Lotteryat the CBC Studios on April 10, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 10: An NHL official holds the cards during The National Hockey League Draft Lotteryat the CBC Studios on April 10, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 26: Minnetonka Skippers forward Bobby Brink (9) carries the puck against the Edina Hornets during a prep hockey game at Ridder Ice Arena in Minneapolis, MN on December, 26, 2017. Brink has committed to play for Denver University. (Photo by Josh Holmberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 26: Minnetonka Skippers forward Bobby Brink (9) carries the puck against the Edina Hornets during a prep hockey game at Ridder Ice Arena in Minneapolis, MN on December, 26, 2017. Brink has committed to play for Denver University. (Photo by Josh Holmberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Bobby Brink – 17 – RW – USA

A lot of mock drafts have brink coming off the board before the Hurricanes pick, but if a couple of defenseman go a little early, the Hurricanes could have a chance to draft him.

One of the youngest players in the draft, Brink played last season in the USHL for Sioux City. The USHL is generally known to be less competitive than its Canadian counterparts (OHL, WHL, QMJHL), but Jack Hughes, the potential first overall pick, played in the USHL season so I’m not too concerned about that.

What I am concerned about is his size. At only 5-8, he’s relatively short, which probably helps he speed up and down the ice. The size argument is used in basically every sport against guys on the shorter size and guys that actually have the talent to make it will make it independent of their size. That being said, it makes things a whole lot easier, the taller you are.

Brink showcased his talent in the USHL this season despite his size and because of his speed. He absolutely has top six potential and will certainly be on the Hurricanes mind as the first round rolls on.

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