Centers
David Cotton is one of six who need to sign by this summer and probably one of the most deserving on this list of a contract. While his final year with Boston College is somewhat frustrating, he is still earning over a point per game. My only problem is the 40 minutes of penalties he has accrued in only 13 games!
But a frustrating season that saw them lose four straight in a row, including two shutouts, and two games where they allowed six goals, will get you heated enough to rack up those many PIM. Since then the Boston College Eagles have soared to six straight wins. Talk about a streaky team.
Ranked as high as #62 He has been a steal for the Hurricanes in the 2015 draft in the 6th round. Cotton has earned himself an opportunity to even go as far as crack the NHL lineup next season and may become a household name, granted he signs with the Hurricanes.
Another 4th year center, another players who will have to make a decision to sign with the Hurricanes before the summer. Matt Filipe is another excellent forward who is in his final season of college hockey. While not exactly racking up the goals he is tied for second overall on the roster in assists with Northeastern University.
Matt still has a ways to go before he can be NHL ready. That said, chances are that he will get the opportunity to build upon what he has already at the AHL level in Charlotte. He still needs to sign with the Hurricanes, however there is no reason for him not to. Granted, Don Waddell might not want to sign someone who may end up playing the rest of his career in the AHL, but Filipe does deserve the chance to prove himself.
Jack Drury is the final center on this list and the only one who still has time before he has to make a decision. In fact he has until the summer of 2022 to sign with the team before he becomes an FA. Drury may also be the only player here who is having a career year so far.
Fox’s former teammate is currently over a point per game for the first time since he left the USHL to go to college. He might be a player to keep your eye out for as the Crimson’s season goes on. He currently sits second in scoring and fourth in points on that roster.
Chances are that Carolina will be talking to him sooner rather than later as he picks up steam in his Hockey Career. In a couple of years, who knows, Drury might be the talk of the town.