Carolina Hurricanes: What have we learned from pre-season

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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 08: The Carolina Hurricanes exit the ice following Game Five of the Second Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at PNC Arena on June 08, 2021, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

New guys

We know the Carolina Hurricanes have been very active in terms of their roster turnover. With 9 new faces expected to make the lineup, it’s been an eventful summer for the organization. A complete change of netminders, half the blueline, and some forward depth additions have really given the roster a new shimmer going into the season.

Frederik Andersen headlines the great performers of new faces in the summer. He has looked remarkably calm under pressure which is a very different look to what the Canes used to have on their blueline. Stopping pucks through traffic and kicking rebounds to the corners, the Canes backend will have someone who exudes confidence behind them this summer.

But the other guy I want to spend a lot of time talking about had a good preseason. His first one in Raleigh, he’s going to have unrealistic expectations placed upon him because he is signed for roughly three times his value right now. He’s going to have the entire province of Quebec scrutinizing his every mistake and that is Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

I have no idea where he’s going to play within the lineup, but KK had a good preseason. He did manage to record the first goal of the Canes exhibition season and would record two on that night as the Canes recorded their only win of the preseason. We know Kotkaniemi will offer some defensive stability, but the offense if he can find it would be fantastic.

Tony DeAngelo has also played very well during the preseason. Regardless of what you think about him off the ice, he has shown his offensive capabilities and why the Canes took a flyer on the disgraced blueliner. Now, the former Ranger has a chance to play for the cup if he keeps his stuff together. He could also be a big part of that.

He’s been a very welcome surprise from the backend. His defensive frailties are well-known, but his abilities to move the puck cannot be overstated. As much as fans may dislike the fact he is a Carolina Hurricane, right now, his attributes on the ice look like they’re going to aid this team’s transition game immensely.

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