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Carolina Hurricanes: Best/ Worst Case Scenario for 2019 NHL Draft Picks

By Joshua Ryan

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 22: A general view of the draft floor prior to the Carolina Hurricanes pick during the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 22: A general view of the draft floor prior to the Carolina Hurricanes pick during the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER , BC – JANUARY 4: Kirill Slepets #29 of Russia skates against the United States during a semi-final game at the IIHF World Junior Championships at Rogers Arena on January 4, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER , BC – JANUARY 4: Kirill Slepets #29 of Russia skates against the United States during a semi-final game at the IIHF World Junior Championships at Rogers Arena on January 4, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /

Rounds 5-7

Massimo Rizzo: Center, Picked 216th in the 7th Round

Best Case: 3rd Line Grinding NHL Center

Worst Case: Bottom 6 AHL Center

The Seventh round isn’t particularly where stars are born in NHL history, and that is true for Carolina; but it can be a place where contribution can be found none the less. Rizzo is a young centerman from the British Colombia Hockey League’s Penticton Vees; where he not only averaged over a point per game in the regular season and playoffs but was also named the team’s only captain.

Rizzo has the appearance of a character player. he showed continual growth while in the BCHL and won a Championship with Penticton in 2016. He has committed to the University of North Dakota, which is revered for the NHL talent they have produced and should continue to develop skill to match his work ethic and grind.

Blake Murray: Center, Picked 183rd in the 6th Round

Best Case: 2nd or 3rd Line NHL Center

Worst Case: 3rd or 4th Line Center in the AHL

Blake Murray was a very popular pick among OHL scouts. There are two things about Murray that jump off the page immediately; he’s got good size at 6’2 almost 190 lbs., and he is still very young. Murray played two seasons with the Sudbury Wolves, and had over 20 goals and 40 points in both.

The strengths of a player like Murray are all things you like to hear as a fan; he has a great shot and knows how to get it off. Everything that Murray needs to be successful should develop with time and experience. In 5 years, Murray could be a 22-year-old just on the cusp of production in Raleigh North Carolina.

Kevin Wall: Right Wing, Picked 181st in the 6th Round

Best Case: Bottom 6 NHL Forward

Worst Case: Bottom 6 Forward in the AHL

Kevin Wall is interesting. He is already 19 so he doesn’t have the benefit of outstanding youth and doesn’t bode physical characteristics that would deem him overly enticing as a prospect in that regard. But Wall, with one year in the BCHL under his belt, has proven that he can be productive.

Wall put up 64 points in 49 games with the Chilliwack Chiefs; while surpassing 30 goals. his commitment to Penn State University shows there could be a potential development that leaves Wall with an exemplary trait. At the moment, however, Wall is simply a decent hockey player who could potentially benefit from the Collegiate arena.

Kirill Slepets: Right Wing, Picked 152nd in the 5th Round

Best Case: 2nd or 3rd Line NHL Forward

Worst Case: Remains in the KHL

You know those once-in-five-years type of player who builds a great career despite their poor draft selection? Slepets could be one of those players. Slepets is a 20-year-old overager with great speed and skill.

NHL’s 2019 Draft Prospect Rankings had him 17th out of all European Skaters. He was productive in the MHL and enticed many scouts with his speed, skill, and sheer untapped potential. Many teams, however, may have been weary of his KHL contract, which keeps him Russian-based until 2021.

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