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.