Carolina Hurricanes: 2019 Prospect Showcase Results

Although they may not have gotten the results they were hoping for on the score board, there were more than a few bright spots that came out of the three game rookie showcase for the Carolina Hurricanes prospects.

The 2019 Prospect Showcase wrapped up Tuesday afternoon when the Carolina Hurricanes faced off against the host Nashville Predators. Finishing 1-2 in the short three game series, the results may have not been there; that, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t anything positive to take away from this past weekend.

Facing off against the Washington Capitals’ prospects in game one, it is safe to say the Carolina Hurricanes’ prospects didn’t get off to the start they wanted, getting blown out 10-3.  Relatively early on, it became apparent that the players were not only unfamiliar with one another, but were all coming off of long summer breaks in which some even have yet to start playing preseason games with their junior or college teams.

This was the first chance for fans to see Chase Priskie dawn a Carolina Hurricanes uniform. Paired with Jake Bean, a late add in place of injured invitee defenseman Merrick Rippon, the two showed why they are in the conversation for a potential NHL roster spot. Throughout the contest, the duo made smart seam passes, finding the open man, creating chances out of nothing, although not always capitalizing. In a preview of what could potentially be the top pairing for Charlotte this year, Priskie finished the game with two points, a goal and an assist.

Other than Bean and Priskie, the D core left a lot to be desired. Throughout the game, Jeremy Helvig often had to contend with odd man rushes, breakaways and grade-A chances because of turnovers and failed clears by the defensemen in front of him. Giving up ten goals against left a lot of room for improvement.

In game two against the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospects, the Hurricanes’ prospects saw a more favorable result in a 7-4 win. Although it was just a day later, first-time guys like Ryan Suzuki looked like completely different players in game two. The Hurricanes started on time and the team tightened up in some of the areas that were desperate for improvement.

Almost half the roster registered a point with 2019 first rounder Suzuki posting 5, a goal and four assists. Camp invitee goaltender Samuel Harvey saw his first action of the tournament, and appeared to be a calming influence in net, while Priskie and Bean continued to impress.

In the third and final game, the Hurricanes faced off against the host Nashville Predators’ prospects in a game that ended in a 6-3 loss. The team started off rather slow, similar to their opener, being down 4-0 in the first period. Both Helvig and Harvey saw time in net, with Jermey playing in the first two periods and Samuel finishing off the game in the third.

Suzuki ended up finishing the rookie showcase tied with a tournament lead in points (6) and assists (4). Chase Priskie, Janne Kuokkanen and Eetu Luostarinen were all right behind Suzuki in team scoring with four points each. Jacob Pritchard is one of those ‘under the radar’ players that had themselves a nice three game series, with an assist in each game, and should be a solid contributor for the Checkers this season.

It remains to be seen if any of the camp invitees will get a tryout/contract from the Charlotte Checkers or if they will all end up being returned to their junior and college teams. With NHL training camp now underway, all eyes will be on players like Bean, Priskie, and Kuokkanen as they work towards solidifying a roster spot.

Who do you think has the best chance to earn a full time NHL roster spot out of training camp?