Carolina Hurricanes: Storylines to Watch Heading Into Training Camp
By Joshua Ryan
Who Replaces Calvin De Haan?
Calvin De Haan was one of the prized acquisitions of last offseason. He was traded last year and suffered an injury during the playoffs that would affect his availability last season. What De Haan provided last year, however, is difficult to replicate; how Carolina goes about doing so will be important.
There are two young options for the Hurricanes to consider: Haydn Fluery and Jake Bean. Fluery has proven he is a big, physical force who has some notable NHL experience. If Fleury can develop his offensive game at the NHL level, after great production and contribution at the AHL level, then he should be the clear choice to replace De Haan.
Bean is intriguing as well. He is clearly highly skilled in the offensive zone. He is smaller, not necessarily physical, but he can move the puck and can skate as well as anyone. Bean is a higher upside player, which may see him as better suited to spend another year in the American Hockey League.
Ether player could be productive as a lower pairing player, and both should be given an equal opportunity to earn a place on one of the best bluelines in the NHL. Whoever earns that spot should bring added depth and speed to a defensive group that is wrought with experience.