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A Look At The 5 Carolina Hurricanes Pending College Free Agents

By Alex Ohari

LOWELL, MA - JANUARY 17: David Cotton #17 of the Boston College Eagles skates against the Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks during NCAA men's hockey at the Tsongas Center on January 17, 2020 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Eagles won 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in the first period. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
LOWELL, MA - JANUARY 17: David Cotton #17 of the Boston College Eagles skates against the Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks during NCAA men's hockey at the Tsongas Center on January 17, 2020 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Eagles won 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in the first period. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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Matt Filipe, Northeastern Huskies (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
Matt Filipe, Northeastern Huskies (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /

F Matt Filipe – Northeastern University

The Hurricanes’ 3rd round pick (67th overall) in 2016, Matt Filipe is wrapping up

his senior season at Northeastern. He’s had an inspiring season – he’s tied his career high in goals (9), and set career highs in assists (13) and points (22).

Filipe is a larger kid at 6’2, 205lbs, and plays a power-forward type style. He’s been an all-situations player at Northeastern – he can succeed on the penalty kill, powerplay and at 5-on-5, due to good skating ability and hockey IQ.

I mentioned how David Cotton captained one of the prospect teams at the camp last summer – Filipe captained the other squad. He’s taken another step forward since then – his senior season in college has been great so far, and his coach has raved about him:

"“Matt has been a huge piece to our program the last three-and-a-half years,” Northeastern associate head coach Jerry Keefe said. “Right now he is playing his best hockey and might be the top power forward in college hockey. He can dominate games from a physical standpoint and with his speed. He continues to keep getting better and is playing with a lot of confidence.”"

As far as his interest in the Hurricanes, Filipe says he keeps tabs on them:

"“I follow them [Carolina] a lot. I’m a big hockey fan, so obviously I watch a lot of the Bruins games because they’re on TV here. I keep tabs on Carolina and talk with people in their organization.”"

Filipe is a business major, but he has plans for his life beyond his degree:

"“I just want to hopefully play hockey as long as I can. I think I’ve put myself in the place where I’ll have the opportunity to play professional hockey.”"

As far as his future in the Hurricanes organization goes, he looks like he’s done enough in college to earn an entry-level deal with the Canes. He’s a good bet to sign in the next few weeks as his college career wraps up, and could join the Checkers for their stretch run.

Filipe will likely need some time in the AHL to season into the pros, but he’s got some likeable traits as a prospect. He’s got some work to do, but his skillset is enticing and a comparable that he’s been linked with is Canes forward Warren Foegele. Filipe could be a nice piece for the Canes’ bottom-6 in the future.

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