Rounds 4-5
The Carolina Hurricanes have three picks within these two rounds thanks to earlier trades. So far they have drafted six players, three forwards, two defenders, and a goalie. That is true balance right there. But now that there are still another five players to draft, we will see how the balance will be disturbed. Will they commit any more trades? Let’s find out.
Pick 99:
With the 99th pick in the 2019 #NHLDraft, the #Canes select Cade Webber! pic.twitter.com/577NJdNxBx
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 22, 2019
Another American defender committed to BU. Not much of a steal here, but just like with Fensore the Carolina Hurricanes are building a defensive base to refill the stock when the deep talent in Charlotte moves up or moves on. Smart moves by Waddell who seems to be placing his trust in his scouts who see Webber as another possible defensive depth piece in the making.
Grade: C+
Pick 121:
With the 121st pick in the 2019 #NHLDraft, the #Canes select Tuukka Tieksola! pic.twitter.com/bqydnV5rZr
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 22, 2019
Another Finn. Carolina is about to employee the entire nation. But seriously, this is a steal at 121. Tieksola should have gone late in the second or early in the third. This kid is an excellent skater with a dynamic set of offensive skills. Good hockey sense too. Has the potential to become another Sebastian Aho. No joke. Still young, but when he gets to the NHL in a few years the chants of TUUUUKKKK should fill PNC Arena.
Grade: A+
Pick 152:
With the 152nd pick in the 2019 #NHLDraft, the #Canes select Kirill Slepets! pic.twitter.com/ORofQZ9DTm
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 22, 2019
Second Russian drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes. Kirill Slepets is a bit older than other picks at this point at 20 years of age. Committed to the KHL for at least one more year, he is just another depth option that may or may not pan out. Not a bad player to use a fifth round pick on, but it’s still up in the air if he will be an impact player moving forward.
Grade: C+
Eight picks taken. Three more to go. The Carolina Hurricanes have already made several top tier draft picks. Rounds six and seven will see another three players get a Hurricanes Jersey before the night is done. The fourth and fifth rounds went without a trade involving the Hurricanes, so it seems that they will make their own three picks in the next two rounds.