Carolina Hurricanes Player Power Rankings: Quarter Mark Thoughts

BUFFALO, NY – NOVEMBER 14: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his goal with teammates during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on November 14, 2019 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

Early Season Statement Makers

SAINT PAUL, MN – NOVEMBER 16: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates with the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on November 16, 2019 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jordan Staal seems to not be on speaking terms with his barber. Which is a shame because his play continues to deteriorate as his hair grows like a reverse Samson. The Carolina Hurricanes captain has had some strong play on and off, but it is overshadowed by the fact that he just isn’t getting or creating the chances the he usually does.

The good news is that there have been others that have picked up his slack. The veteran is allowed to have on and off days.

Performance: 3-4-7 At Potential

RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 11: Warren Foegele #13 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates for position on the ice during an NHL game against the Ottawa Senators on November 11, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

Don’t look now but Warren Foegele is starting to become a legit top nine threat.

I said don’t look.

Fine, look but don’t touch because I am not sure where this is heading with the young winger. He has found a home on the top lines with Sebastian Aho or Jordan Staal.

Either way he seems flexible enough to make it work regardless of who he is with.

Performance: 3-5-8 At Potential

RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 12: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes lifts the puck into the top of the net during warmups prior to an NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 12, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jaccob Slavin, offensive threat. Wait. Did I type that correctly? Hold on a minute.

*Aggressively checks notes and does the math*

Well the math checks out. Jaccob Slavin is not only a master shutdown defenseman but also fifth on the team on shots taken. Second amongst defenders only to Dougie Hamilton.

Never thought I would be seeing this, but here we are.

Performance: 2-9-11 Overachieving

Earlier today the Carolina Hurricanes built a memorial and poured one out for Joel Edmundson’s stick he broke out in practice. They should have doubled down and poured one out for all the contributions on the ice that will be missed because of Haula’s absence. Erik Huala is unfortunately out indefinitely as he tries to figure out his knee issues.

With "Wind Beneath My Wings" as the soundtrack, pouring one out for Joel Edmundson's stick, which broke during the #Canes morning skate. pic.twitter.com/yphzM5E7V6
— Michael Smith (@MichaelSmithNC) November 19, 2019

Performance: 8-3-11 A buttload of excellence

RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 26: Ryan Dzingel #18 of the Carolina Hurricanes warms up prior to an NHL game against he Chicago Blackhawks on October 26, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

Before we talk about his performance, can we talk about the energy Ryan Dzingel brings to well, everything? I have never seen the man frown. He is the new Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes and the team should do everything to keep and protect this man. If you disagree with me you best be prepared to take a walk with me outside.

Difference between him and Skinner? He can also play defense. Okay, I’m done, but look at that goofy smile.