The Carolina Hurricanes, having been in North Carolina since 1997, have had their fair share of absolutely legendary players listed on the roster. The era of legendary players in the NHL is far from over, though, as the Canes have had some legends pass through relatively recently.
What makes a player ‘legendary’ in the NHL? Goalscoring prowess? Blistering speed? Silky smooth hands? The ability to skate circles around opponents? Laser-like accuracy? The ability to flash the leather or make a brilliant, last second cross-crease kick save?
Turns out, it’s all those things and then some.
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As far as franchise legends go, the Canes have admittedly had a few less than, say, a team like the Buffalo Sabres. After drafting Taro Tsujimoto in the 1974 NHL Entry Draft, the Sabres would never look back, and remain a competent and competitive team to this very day.
To their credit, though, the Canes have managed to cultivate some pure legendary-status players in their own rite. Players who have broken the mold and surpassed all odds to become absolute franchise leaders in more than one category.
Today, we’re going to take a quick journey down memory lane as we pay homage to some of the Carolina Hurricanes’ most legendary players since moving down from Hartford.