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Carolina Hurricanes: Elite Players Selected Right Before a Canes Pick

By Austin Isham

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs goes on the attack against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs goes on the attack against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Sidney Crosby

If only Sid the Kid was available for the Carolina Hurricanes

This is it the final player, the one that could have changed everything for Carolina…

One of the biggest busts for the Carolina Hurricanes was drafting defenseman Jack Johnson 3rd overall in 2005. While Johnson himself isn’t a bust, as he’s gone to play almost 1000 games in the NHL, the pick never panned out for the Canes.

Unable to agree to terms on a deal, Carolina opted to trade him rather than risk losing his rights once he finished his collegiate hockey career. Getting shipped off to LA in a deal that brought Tim Gleason to Raleigh, it is safe to say the Hurricanes probably wish they had drafted someone else.

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Who was picked just two selections before? Why none other than Sidney Crosby.

A three-time Stanley Cup Winner and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist he has been on numerous championship teams. Individually, he has taken home the Hart, Ted Lindsey, Conn Smyth, Art Ross Rocket Richard, and Mark Messier Leadership awards each at least twice.

Just imagine how different the league would be if Carolina was the team that drafted Crosby. As a smaller market, it would have been huge for the growth of the game and franchise.

At the time of the pick, Pittsburgh was once again struggling financially. Long story short, his arrival helped save the Pens and has propelled them into one of the premier organizations in the NHL.

The consensus best player in the entire league for years, he is still performing at an elite level. While some believe Connor McDavid has taken over that title, there is still no denying that Crosby is a lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Related Story. Elite Players Selected Directly After a Canes Pick. light

Question for CC readers: Who do you wish the Carolina Hurricanes could have had the chance to draft but didn’t?

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