Carolina Hurricanes: What is Svechnikov’s Ceiling This Year?

Andrei Svechnikov is doing it all for the Carolina Hurricanes this season. Just where exactly is his ceiling and does he have one at all?

Andrei Svechnikov has emerged as a top winger for the Carolina Hurricanes. With each passing game he continues to improve, molding into the star player he was drafted to be. But one would ask, what is his ceiling for this season?

The Carolina Hurricanes drafted Andrei Svechnikov 2nd overall at the 2018 NHL draft. At the time, he was known as the top forward available in that draft class. Coming off an amazing season with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, the Hurricanes were looking to immediately add Svechnikov to that impressive young group of players.

Although he was outshined by fellow rookies such as Elias Pettersson, Rasmus Dahlin and Brady Tkachuk, Andrei Svechnikov quietly had a very good rookie season. He scored 20 goals and 17 assists, good for 37 points. In the playoffs, he would post three goals and two assists in the nine games he played.

To say that Andrei Svechnikov has been very good so far this season would be an understatement. In the 20 games he has played so far, he has posted 9 goals and 13 assists, good for a team leading 22 points. He’s currently on pace for 37 goals and 90 points.

One of the most promising things about those numbers is that he is producing on the power play. Four of his nine goals have been registered on the power play, and anyone who has been a fan of the Hurricanes knows how bad the team has been in that department in recent seasons. Having a guy like Svechnikov being able to produce has been a huge improvement for the special teams.

He made headlines across the sports world when he scored the “Michigan Goal” against the Calgary Flames just a few weeks ago. This only further shows how far he has come in terms of confidence and skill level. Did I mention he’s only 19?

When you take into account all the things we’ve seen in this young season so far, it’s safe to assume his numbers are going to shoot up across the board. It is not completely out of the real of possibility for him to hit the 30 goal mark either, especially if he continues to produce on the power play.

In his most recent game against the Minnesota Wild, he continued to show just how good he truly is. With some time on the power play, he moved the puck very well and set up some great chances. When the game went to OT, he took matters into his own hands. After receiving a pass through center, he buried the puck past Devan Dubnyk and won the game for Carolina 4-3.

When it comes to Svechnikov’s ceiling, the sky is truly the limit. He is going to get his fair share of chances, especially if he continues to play on a line with Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho. He has thrived while playing with those two as well, so it’s safe to assume they’ll be playing together quite often.

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If I had to make a prediction on what I believe his ceiling is this year, I would put my money somewhere between 25-30 goals. I think it’s also likely that he’ll get somewhere between 50-60 points. Of course, he could easily surpass both of these predictions, but I feel this is a realistic prediction for him and his growth.

Andrei Svechnikov brings a variety of things to this team that they desperately needed when they drafted him. Physicality, great puck movement and a wicked shot just to name a few. When it comes to looking at what his ceiling might be, it’s hard to say for sure. One thing is for certain however, this kid is a star in the making and looks to help lead Carolina to their second straight playoff appearance.

Question for CC Readers: What do you believe Svechnikov’s ceiling is this year?