Carolina Hurricanes: The Greatest Player in Franchise History

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Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images) /

There are a load of nominees for the greatest player in Carolina Hurricanes history, but who rightfully earns that title?

Carolina has had a host of very talented players skate onto the ice with the eye of the Hurricane over their heart. Some have been much more talented than others. Some have ended up in Toronto’s hall of fame, some will be there someday, and some should be there already.

So who takes the crown as the best player in Carolina Hurricanes history? There are many things to consider in regards to this. First of all, there’s the time spent in Carolina, they have to be known mainly as Carolina Hurricanes. This will discount someone like Mark Recchi who is in the hall of fame but made his name in another place.

There also needs to be a degree of talent to their game. As much as I love someone like Tim Gleason for what he gave for the team, his talent levels just are not as good as some of the alternatives that have played for the Canes.

So let’s have some fun. I’m going to make the case for a number of players, and I invite you to tell me who you believe the best Carolina Hurricane of all time is. I know my personal opinion is not the common opinion, and this is always a fun debate. So let’s dive in.

Ron Francis

So, this one is simple. He is easily the best player in Hartford Whalers history, and he returned to the team after relocation. His loyalty to this organization was unwavering both as a player and as a general manager, he always wanted what was best for this team during his time in the organization.

On the ice, Ron Francis not only led the team with his ability, but he also led the team in the locker room and in any other way he could. He was an incredible captain during his playing time in Carolina. He played for 6 years in Carolina alone, this does not include his time in Hartford with the Whalers.

During his six seasons with the Canes, Francis recorded 118 goals and 236 assists for 354 points in 472 games. This gives Francis a 0.75 points per game rate during his time in Carolina. Considering he played in what is known as “the dead puck era” those are incredible results. These results were so good, Francis number 10 is now hanging from the PNC Arena rafters for all to see.

Just to glance at some of Ron’s honors. He’s won the Lady Bing and King Clancy during his time in Raleigh. He also ended up in the Hall of fame. He won the Lady Bing twice more with Pittsburgh, won the Selke with them too, and won the cup during his time in Pittsburgh twice in 1991 and 1992. Not to mention, he’s in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

I personally believe Francis to be the 2nd best player in Carolina Hurricanes history. He lead the team to a cup final during his time with the team, that should not be forgotten. He got the team past the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New Jersey Devils and into the cup final in 2002, but there are players who one-up him in my opinion.

Rod Brind’Amour

There is a case to be made that Rod Brind’Amour belongs in the hall of fame, and I would make that case. As someone who won back to back Selke trophies, his defensive abilities should not be in question. One of the best two-way centers of his generation. Constantly having Selke votes throughout his career should prove that.

Originally drafted by St Louis, Rod has his number retired by the Hurricanes and is in the Philadelphia Flyers hall of fame. Rod played 10 years for the Carolina Hurricanes and had some great numbers. He recorded 174 goals and 299 assists for 473 points in 694 games for the Hurricanes. That is a 0.68 point per game rate. However, he did captain the team to a Stanley Cup win.

Rod had great offensive numbers and won back to back Selkes, proving his defensive dominance. He captained the team to a cup by basically being the most likable guy around and saying “Help me with one last shot at the cup” and it worked.

He willed his team to a cup. Not only did he will his team to a cup, in game 1 of the finals, he scored a 17:17 of the 2nd period. He was unstoppable during that run.

So, where does Rod rank among the best players of all time? For me, he’s number three. His offensive output just isn’t good enough. He was a great leader and still is. He was a great player, and he still looks like he could go out there and play. I just don’t think you can put him above the other two players I have above him. Please let me know if you disagree.

Eric Staal

Eric Staal was beloved by everyone in Carolina. How many other people can walk in as a rookie and casually throw up a 100 point season with 45 goals and 55 assists en route to a Stanley Cup? He was a homegrown talent and one of the best players ever to wear the Hurricane. Although he started to lose a step as time went on in Raleigh, his skill never wavered.

He recorded 775 points during his time in Carolina in the form of 322 goals and 453 assists in 909 games. That is a 0.85 point per game rate. That is not normal, that is incredible for a player to score at that rate. Defensively, Staal always left more to be desired, but Eric would always make amends at the other end.

Staal also captained the team and is the longest-serving captain in Hurricanes history. Number 12 captained the team in 2009 to the Eastern Conference Finals and mainly did that himself, scoring vital goals in both series to get them there. He was always scoring. Both times the Hurricanes made the playoffs with him in Raleigh, he led the team in postseason scoring.

The two-time all-star, former all-star captain and all-star MVP did win the cup in 2006 as a rookie. It was an incredible year for Eric Staal. His career year, he finished 4th in the race for the Hart trophy. Staal did everything that year.

In my opinion, no Hurricane ever has been more talented than number 12. Eric Staal has done it all, he’s won cups, hit 100 point seasons, been in the race for major awards, and he often got votes for other trophies too. A two-time all-star, he’s hit the 1000 point mark in his career, and he’s a future hall of fame player in my opinion. Raleigh has never seen a better player, as of now.

Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Everyone else

There are loads of players who I could have mentioned here, but personally, the three I have mentioned are my top three. Obviously there are players like Cam Ward and probably some off the active roster. However, with the average age of the current roster being the age of a local high school, it’s too early to tell for most of the team.

More from Cardiac Cane

Are there some players that could make this list in the future? 100% yes. Someone like Sebastian Aho or Andrei Svechnikov could easily make this list if they continue to do what they have been doing and if they continue to progress. However, Svechnikov is 20, Aho is 22. It’s way too early to have a fair judgment on their careers as of this point.

I know everyone I have talked about are forwards, but to this point, the best statistical defenseman in Carolina Hurricanes history is Justin Faulk, and he is a very…. polarizing figure to say the least. Will someone like Jaccob Slavin get there? Yes for sure, but Slavin still needs to keep doing what he’s doing.

So, who do you think is the best Carolina Hurricane of all time? If you think I’m wrong, let me know why. There is a lot of choice with this topic and I don’t think there is a right answer. It’s always fun to see why people think what they think however, so please voice your opinion.

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