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Carolina Hurricanes: Which Player’s Jerseys to Invest In This Season

By Christopher Highe |
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 12: The Carolina Hurricanes bench reacts during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 12: The Carolina Hurricanes bench reacts during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 12: The Carolina Hurricanes bench reacts during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 12: The Carolina Hurricanes bench reacts during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

So you’re looking to expand your closet, or purchase your first Canes jersey. Which member of the Carolina Hurricanes’ sweater should you buy?

There is a host of players within franchise history who’s name and number could easily adorn your jersey of choice: from Artus Irbe to Cam Ward, to Rod “The Bod” Brind’Amour. All of these are perfectly acceptable choices. But what if you want to honor a different Hurricane, one that is not as represented by the masses?

Well, you have come to the right place, Caniac. In this article, we are going to look at three members of the 2019-2020 Carolina Hurricanes who would be outstanding choices. Each member is selected based on expected franchise longevity, visibility, and team impact. If your favorite Hurricane did not make it on the list, fret not, this is not all-inclusive!

CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 19: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Martin Necas (88) skates to his bench after scoring in the first period during an NHL hockey game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Chicago Blackhawks on November 19, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 19: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Martin Necas (88) skates to his bench after scoring in the first period during an NHL hockey game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Chicago Blackhawks on November 19, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Number 88: Martin Necas (Mart/iː/n N/eɪ//tʃ/as)

2019-2020 is Martin Necas‘ first full season with the Carolina Hurricanes, and he is off to one heck of a start. With two goals and three helpers in the last five games (OTTx2, BUF, MIN, CHI), he is turning out to be quite the Calder Trophy contender for the 2019-2020 National Hockey League (NHL) season. He also has a name that drives analysts and media commentators insane. It is a safe bet that Necas will be as recognizable a name in Raleigh as Sebastian Aho by season’s end.

The 20-year old Czech native may not have made waves during the pre-season, but once he got off and running, he has not looked back. He is currently on pace for a 66-point rookie season (0.81 points per game) while only averaging 12:38 time on ice. His competent play not only makes watching the Hurricanes’ third line entertaining, but it also makes it deadly.

RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 21: Carolina Hurricane Jordan Martinook during the 1st half of the NC State Wolfpack game versus the Ball State Cardinals on September 21st, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 21: Carolina Hurricane Jordan Martinook during the 1st half of the NC State Wolfpack game versus the Ball State Cardinals on September 21st, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Number 48: Jordan “Marty Party” Martinook

Jordan Martinook, fondly referred to as the Marty Party, has stepped up to the role of team dad in the absence of Justin Williams. He wears an alternate captain’s “A”, loves practical jokes, and is a crucial element to the Hurricanes’ heart and soul. While he is not an offensive powerhouse, his physicality and personality both were missed in his recent injury-related absence.

While only in his second term in the red and black after being acquired from Arizona, he is by far one of the most impactful players not on the score sheet. If you’re looking to add a lesser represented letter sweater to your collection, look no further than Martinook.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Haydn Fleury #4 of the Carolina Hurricanes warms up against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 5, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Haydn Fleury #4 of the Carolina Hurricanes warms up against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 5, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

But it is not the Finn you expected! Number 4: Haydn Fleury

Haydn Fleury‘s inclusion on this list may leave some of you puzzled. Fear not, for even defensemen need recognition.  He is a substantial presence on the Hurricanes’ blue line, despite being the seventh D, and a reliable substitution for Trevor Van Riemsdyk or Jake Gardiner on the third defensive pairing.

He has also banked two goals this season, finally breaking his ninety-five game scoring drought that started during the previous year. At 23-years old, he is still relatively young for a defenseman and has plenty of room to grow. With such great mentors as Brett Pesce and Dougie “Doooogie” Hamilton, Fleury should flourish into an incredible skater when he hits his prime, especially now that he has found his first career NHL goal.

Hot. 2019 Carolina Hurricanes Holiday Gift Guide. light

A question for all the Caniacs out there: If you were to recommend a jersey to another Caniac, who would you suggest?

Also, do not forget to check out the official shop Carolina Hurricanes for all your merch needs. The holidays are coming up, and there are often juicy promotions to help cut those Christmas costs!

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