Carolina Hurricanes: A Glance at the Right Handed Defensemen Depth

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.

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.

Where would you rank the Hurricanes right handed defenseman depth compared to the rest of the league?