Carolina Hurricanes: Storylines to Watch Heading Into Training Camp

The new NHL season lies just on the horizon. The Carolina Hurricanes seem primed for a dominant regular season having built a roster deeper and more talented than the group who just reached the Eastern Conference Final. It all begins, however, with training camp this season.

The Carolina Hurricanes have had an impressive offseason. They added to areas of strength, and they strengthened areas of concern. For this team to continue their ascension to the top of the NHL mountaintop, they need to start strong with this seasons training camp.

With a plethora of players returning, some veterans moving on, and a few new and notable names added to this group, this seasons training camp is as important as last years if they hope to really get this season started on the right foot.

Last year saw new head coach Rod Brind’Amour work at implementing his style and game plan for this squad. This year, that system is in place, which allows the coaching staff to focus on the finer elements of the game, and some of the facets of this team that where lacking during last season.

With much changing, and much being fine-tuned, this year’s training camp brings with it some intriguing developments. The roster may look great on paper, but how the changes come together with what has already been established leads Rod and company to face a challenge that exudes some uncertainty.

That begs the question, what are the biggest storylines to watch for heading into this seasons training camp?

Does James Reimer Have a Future in Carolina?

The Carolina Hurricanes acquired James Reimer this offseason after losing veteran Curtis McElhinney and boasting a pretty thin collection of viable goaltenders to back up starter Petr Mrazek. Reimer is a decent netminder and has proven he is a capable backup.

The question is not if Reimer is talented enough to be an NHL backup, the question is if he is talented enough to be the backup in Carolina. Alex Nedeljkovic is coming off a year that saw him win the AHL most outstanding goaltender award. He helped catapult the Charlotte Checkers to a Memorial Cup Championship.

Ned is the future in net for Carolina, but could Reimer fend him off for one more year, and earn the 30-35 games he’d be asked to start in 2019-2020? If Ned is as talented as many believe, where does that leave Reimer?

Carolina would do well to trade Reimer before the start of the year if training camp leaves Ned as the clear number two, and this move would allow Carolina to part with Reimer’s salary and give the 31-year-old an opportunity to play elsewhere.

What Can We Expect From Andrei Svechnikov in Year Two?

Andrei Svechnikov was incredible his rookie season. He produced a 20 goal, 37-point year, as an 18-year-old. There was a lot expected from Svech, and he did not disappoint. He was fourth on the team in goal, and he was fourth among all rookies in goals scored.

Svechnikov achieved all this on an extremely deep Carolina roster, while playing for a head coach who has proven to place immense value on veteran experience in his line combinations. Svech started the year as a fourth line player, but his responsibility and offensive acumen clearly pushed him up the lineup sheet week in and week out.

So, what can we expect form Svechnikov in year two? There are many who are preparing for a breakout year. Some assume that this season would be the year that Andrei Svechnikov becomes a name that is on par with some of the better goal scorers in hockey today.

I am unsure if this goal is realistic for the 19-year-old. A successful season would be one that sees Svech continue to play a more defensively responsible game, be physical, and play in the areas of the ice that benefit a player of his size and skill set.

His second year may not see a huge spike in production but should be huge for development none the less; his third year, is where I predict Svechnkikov explodes statistically. Regardless, who Svechnokov develops into his second year, his development continues to be a major storyline for this team entering training camp.

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.

Just How Deep is This Team?

The Carolina Hurricanes are a deep team. Last season’s success came from their ability to get production from all over the roster. Aho and Teuvo Teravainen led the way offensively, but players like Warren Foegle, Brock McGinn, and Jordan Staal all would provide offense in spurts; especially come playoff time.

Erik Haula and Ryan Dzingel have both been added to the roster, and it seems as though Martin Necas is going to get every opportunity to earn a spot as well. That is three above average players who will likely make the opening day roster, and will, most likely, make their presence felt as they get acclimated to the team in training camp.

Haula should push Lucas Wallmark down the depth chart to a more suitable, lower line, role. Necas should bring a fast and skilled presence to the wing depth, and Ryan Dzingel seems poised to breakout in a top six capacity; similar to what Nino Niederrieter did last year after his move from Minnesota to Carolina.

Haula is a 30-goal scorer when healthy, Dzingel is, at worst, a 20-goal scorer, and Necas is an incredible playmaker who is well on his way to be a 50 point per season player. These players will add an incredible amount of depth to the roster and should allow Brind’Amour to curve the offensive woes that have plagued this team early in the year.

If these players can find their place, and establish chemistry, during training camp, then they should be off to the races come regular season. Their ability to get off to a strong start could be the difference between a wildcard spot and competing for the division title.

Question for CC Readers: What is the most intriguing storyline for the upcoming training camp?