The Verdict
There will certainly be numerous changes on the Hurricanes roster from now until the 2021 offseason and it is hard to predict how exactly players will progress. Based on this list, however, Haydn Fleury seems like the best option for Seattle.
Having a well rounded core of top four defenseman is vitally important for a team to be successful in the NHL. Should he reach his potential Fleury should make a solid stay at home shut down defenseman although lacking any real offensive flair to his game.
With Slavin and Pesce signed long term at bargain deals it is hard to see any of them being exposed. Hamilton, although needing a new contract in 2021, has fit in well on the blue line this past season and provides the team an offensive dimension the other two currently lack, but that is not say they won’t develop.
While losing Fleury would hurt the Hurricanes if he reaches his potential, there should be enough in the pipeline to take his place in a few years. Players like Jesper Sellgren, Jake Bean, Roland McKeown, and Domenick Fensore all could find themselves on or competing for a roster spot by 2021. No matter who Seattle decides to take, the Hurricanes will definitely lose someone off of their NHL roster this time around.
Who do you see Seattle taking in the 2021 expansion draft?