Carolina Hurricanes: Wallmark’s 2019-20 Season Outlook

With exactly 100 regular season games under his belt, what can we expect to see from Carolina Hurricanes’ forward Lucas Wallmark in his second full season in the NHL?

Originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Lucas Wallmark made his NHL debut March 13th, 2017 against the New York Islanders. Since then the soon to be 24 year old, September 5th, Swedish forward has appeared in exactly 100 NHL regular season games posting 31 points, 11 goals and 20 assists.

Wallmark is one of those players who plays a quiet game, often resulting in him getting over looked by both the media and fans. Appearing in 81 games in his first full season in the NHL in 2018-19, he set career highs in goals, 10, assists, 18, while averaging 14:48 in time on ice.

In the playoffs, Wallmark put up five points, a goal and four assists, in 15 games. Playing mostly in a third line role, centering the likes of Andrei Svechnikov, Jordan Martinook or Warren Foegele,  any combination of the trio proved to be one of the Hurricanes most constant lines, posing a threat on the forecheck every time they stepped foot on the ice.

Constantly winning slightly over 50% of his draws, in both the regular and post season, it is safe to say that under the guidance of head coach Rod Brind’Amour, Lucas has the potential to be one of the better face-off men in the entire league. Any time you can have options to take key draws late in games is an advantage over opposing team, and along with Jordan Staal, the Hurricanes have the makings of a solid face-off duo.

Although playing mostly in a depth role, Lucas showed promise while filling in for Staal when he was out with injury last season. During this period of time, not only did the team as a whole play their best hockey, climbing into the playoff picture, but Lucas in particular played arguably the best hockey of his career.

Entering the final year of his two year $1,350,000, $675,000 per, deal signed July 12th, 2018 it is likely that you’ll see a motivated player in Wallmark. Often times players tend to elevate their games in contract years, and with the added depth throughout the organization, he’ll have to continue to prove his worth. Upon the season’s conclusion he’ll be a RFA.

The additions of Erik Haula and Ryan Dzingel, and potential return of Justin Williams, likely results in Wallmark slotting in as the Carolina Hurricanes’ fourth line center. Brind’Amour, thus far in his young career, likes to run all four lines and we should expect to see the same next season. Getting more favorable matchups on the road and at home should result in us seeing a slight increase in production from Lucas.

Looking ahead it is possible that we’ll see 12-15 goals from Wallmark next season. Depending on his linemates, we could also see 20-22 assist for a point total in the 30s. Although that may seem high for someone playing on the fourth line, there’s bound to be injuries and line shuffling, giving him sometime in the top nine at various points throughout the season.

What are you expecting to see from Wallmark next season?