Carolina Hurricanes: A Glance at the Right Handed Defensemen Depth
On the surface, it appears as if the Carolina Hurricanes have a plethora of right handed defensemen when you look at the NHL roster, but is this depth present throughout all levels of the organization?
Depending on where you look, it is estimated that anywhere from 60-70% of NHL players shoot left, making the remaining 30-40% righties. Of that percentage, most are forwards, resulting in a rather small pool of right handed defenseman available. Ideally, each NHL team would love to have a lefty and righty on each pair, making these types of players a valuable asset.
The Carolina Hurricanes are one of a select few that have an access of NHL caliber ‘RHD’, thus leading to constant trade rumors surrounding the team. Although there’s still a chance we could see the long rumored D for a forward swap, it’s not as likely as it would have been a year or two ago with Justin Faulk and Trevor van Riemsdyk pending UFAs this offseason, and Dougie Hamilton the next. With that in mind, lets take a look at all the RHD within the organization.
At the NHL level, Trevor van Riemsdyk is the elder skates-man of the blueline at 28. Although he is likely to miss some time early this season, van Riemsdyk is a steady defenseman who helped solidify the Hurricanes 5/6 pair when he was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights during the expansion draft in 2017. Even though he isn’t known for putting up big numbers, you can safely expect 15 points each season from Trevor.
What a pass. What a catch. What a move. What a goal. Justin Faulk gives #TakeWarning the 2-1 lead. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/oQZc7IWVNT
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) May 2, 2019
A year younger than van Riemsdyk is Justin Faulk. At 27, Faulk is one of those players that gets mixed reviews from fans. On one hand, there are people who feel like Justin is a key member of the team’s core and should be resigned no matter the cost. On the other, there are people who feel as if Rod Brind’Amour is misusing Faulk on the top unit power play, and he should be slotted behind Dougie on the second unit instead. Either way, Justin is an above-average offensive defenseman good for a point total in the mid 30’s each season.
Like Justin, fans have both positive and negative feelings towards 26 year old Dougie Hamilton. Originally acquired in a trade with Calgary at the 2018 NHL draft, Hamilton is just beginning to enter his prime. Known more as a late season performer, Dougie scored a career high, and a single-season franchise record in goals scored for a D-man, netting 18 goals last season. With two years left on his current deal, there has been some speculation that if Faulk is extended, the team might look to move him for a scoring forward.
Although he spent most of last season playing his off side with Justin Faulk, Brett Pesce is the youngest of the established RHD, and is arguably the most important to the Hurricanes long term. With one of the biggest bargain deals in the NHL, Brett’s offensive game has begun to show signs of reaching another level. When paired with Jaccob Slavin, the duo formed one of the best shut down pairs in the entire league and should continue to be a handful for opposing teams for years to come.
Currently an RFA, Roland McKeown, 23, fits the bill for a prospect that is NHL ready; yet, because of the team’s depth, may find himself the odd man out. Now waiver eligible, should he fail to make the Hurricanes roster, McKeown would have to clear waivers before he could be sent to Charlotte. Although he only appeared in ten NHL games in 2017-18, Roland didn’t look out of place in a limited role, and will be competing for a spot should TVR be unable to start the season on time.
Kyle Wood, 23, was acquired from the San Jose Sharks a few weeks ago in exchange for 25 year old Trevor Carrick. The 6’7” Wood is most likely going to play out the season with the Checkers in a top-four role. Finishing last season with 35 points (six goals and 29 assists) in 68 games, Kyle should be leader on the blue line for a team seeing a lot of roster turn over.
Signed as a free agent back in July, Alex Lintuniemi, 23, is the first Finn on this list. Originally drafted by L.A. in the second round back in 2014, Lintuniemi will also spend next season in Charlotte. With 25 points on the Ontario Reign last season, Alex should be a solid depth option for the Checkers as they make a run at defending their Calder Cup title.
Newly signed college free agent Chase Priskie finishes off the list of players on the NHL/AHL bubble. Coming off a Hobey Baker nominated season, Priskie was highly touted around the league before he ultimately decided to sign a two-year entry level deal with the Hurricanes. The 23 year old Priskie was the top NCAA Division 1 D-man in power play goal scoring this past season, and it will be interesting to see if his play will translate to the next level.
Remember this Chase Priskie goal that made #SCTop10 against Clarkson? @CanesNHL fans will see plenty more highlight reel goals like this! #BobcatNation pic.twitter.com/psJtYZwId7
— Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey (@QU_MIH) August 17, 2019
Playing at the University of Michigan in the NCAA, 20 year old Luke Martin is already entering an important season in his young career. Drafted in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft, Martin saw a slight decline in his play this past season, only playing in 28 games. Should the Hurricanes decide to sign Luke to an entry level deal they’ll have to do it once his Senior season ends, as they only hold his rights until August 15th, 2020 before he becomes a UFA and is free to sign with any team.
Lastly, drafted in the third round this past draft, 18 year old Anttoni Honka is one of the boom-or-bust prospects the team took a shot on in June. Should he reach his potential, Honka will be a top-four puck moving defenseman in a few years’ time. In the World Junior Summer Showcase, Anttoni was a stand out player for Finland. Honka will be playing in the Finnish Elite League this season, and will certainly be a prospect to keep an eye on.
With ten RHD in the organization, it is safe to say that the Hurricanes currently have solid depth throughout. With all but two of the players 23 or older, along with Faulk, TVR, and Hamilton having contracts that expire in the next two seasons, things could get very thin rather quickly. Fans should look forward to seeing how Martin and Honka progress and if McKeown or Priskie can lock down an NHL spot in training camp this fall. All things considered, the organization is in a good position with their current D-core.
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Where would you rank the Hurricanes right handed defenseman depth compared to the rest of the league?