NHL ETAs for the 2019 Carolina Hurricanes Draft Class
By Alex Ohari
Vityaz Podolsk / KHL. player. 109. Pick Analysis. G. Pyotr Kotchetkov. 36. Prospect Profile
After doing the unthinkable and drafting a Russian (who actually plays in Russia!) with their 2nd round pick acquired from Buffalo for Jeff Skinner, the Hurricanes are watching from afar. Playing in the KHL, Kochetkov has had an up-and-down season so far.
He’s had a bit rough go in the KHL, with a .887sv% in 6 games before he was traded to a new club, Vityaz Podolsk. He figured to have more playing time there, but allowed 4 goals on 20 shots in his debut and hasn’t played again since.
He’s only 20 years old, so I hope nobody is concerned about him having a bit of a rough start in the 2nd best league in the world. He’s had some good games there, and as evidenced by his .940sv% in his 2 games in the Russian version of the AHL, his talent is there. Hopefully he’ll get some more game-time, but regardless his future looks extremely bright.
NHL ETA: 2 years
Jamieson Rees. 44. 109. Prospect Profile. c. Pick Analysis. Sarnia Sting / OHL. player
Rees, after serving a six-game suspension for a vicious hit in the preseason, is off to an absolutely torrid start for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. Through 10 games, he has 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points, and has a team-best +13 rating.
Despite his discipline being an issue at times, he plays much bigger than his size (5’10, 170lbs). He’s a relentlessly hard worker, pesty, physical, and has offensive talent. This was a phenomenal pick in the middle of the second round.