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Carolina Hurricanes What Could Have Been: Elite Players Selected Directly After a Canes Pick

By Austin Isham

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 16: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks fires a shot on goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period at the Pepsi Center on January 16, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 16: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks fires a shot on goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period at the Pepsi Center on January 16, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Johnny Gaudreau

Somehow Johnny Hockey eluded the Carolina Hurricanes

Another player that stings a bit to just have missed out on is Johnny Gaudreau. Drafted 104th overall back in 2011 the dynamic winger was selected just one pick after Carolina chose Swiss forward Gregory Hofmann.

Hofmann has put together a fine career overseas but has never been able to translate his play to the NHL level. There have been a few instances where he’s attempted to do so, attending various Canes’ training and prospect camps over the years. Almost a full decade since his draft year, it is safe to say that he’ll never be apart of the Hurricanes even though he is still listed as a guy who’s in their system.

Gaudreau, on the other hand, is a five-time NHL All-Star. A bit undersized, he has still been able to be a productive player in the NHL. With a 99 point, 36 goal season this past year, he could have been a nice addition to Carolina’s top six.

Having a down year, similar to a lot of Flames players, he has recently been a guy brought up in trade rumors. While it would take a lot to get him out of Alberta, there is a strong possibility he could join the heavily contested Metro Division. Born in Jersey, there’s a fair amount of speculation that he could join the Flyers or Devils as a free agent.

With 445 points in 464 games, he is most definitely a draft steal in the fourth round.

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