Carolina Hurricanes: Checking in on the NCAA Prospects
Wingers
Kevin Wall has probably the most time of any of the offensive prospects here to sign with the Hurricanes. And that is okay, the 19 year old kid out of Rochester, NY still has to prove himself. While he was knocking the socks off of everyone in the BCHL, he still has to get a grasp on the NCAA level of Hockey.
With only ten games played so far with Penn State, the jury is still out on if he is going to be a name for the Hurricanes in the future. If he does, then he will be a steal picked up last last draft, if not, then no true loss. He is still an unknown, but someone as young as him still has the time to build his name.
Luke Stevens comes from a hockey playing family. His father, Kevin Stevens is a three time All-Star and two time Stanley Cup Champion who played 16 years in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, LA Kings, Boston Bruins, and Philadelphia Flyers. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree as both he and his father are left wingers. Will he go as far as his father did and make the NHL?
The numbers are not promising. With only 31 points in his NCAA career, the fifth round draft pick will have to spend some time proving himself at another level before earning himself NHL status. Unluckily for him he will become a FA this summer if the Hurricanes refuse to sign him. While he might get better at the higher speed of the AHL, that might be a risk too high for lord turtleneck.
Max Zimmer is the fourth player who will become a free agent this summer if the Hurricanes do not sign him to a contract. The 22 year old fourth round pick has so far not lived up to expectations. This season he has only played in five games as he battles an injury that may injure his chances of making it to the NHL.
Of the six players that need to sign this summer, Zimmer may be a name you never hear again after this article. 35 points in 99 games is not a good look. Luckily for him he is back on the ice for the Badgers and has a chance if he manages to finish the season strong and lead his team to the playoffs.