The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they signed their 2020 second-round selection, Noel Gunler to his NHL entry-level contract. The deal starts at the beginning of the 2022-23 season and lasts until 2024-25.
Noel Gunler was a part of the Hurricanes’ heralded 2020 draft class, being selected 41st overall by the Canes. The second-round pick used to select Gunler was part of the return in the controversial Adam Fox trade.
Gunler is a 20-year-old Swedish right-winger who stands at 6’2’ and weighs 176 pounds. He still has plenty of time to fill out his frame, but that doesn’t hinder his game all that much. Noel is more known for his skill on the ice, particularly his shot.
On the day he was drafted, assistant general manager Darren Yorke had this to say, “He’s a player who is able to transition the puck and get it from the neutral zone to the offensive zone and make plays. When he gets the puck on his stick, he can score. He has the dual-threat of making plays and being a goal scorer.”
Gunler has spent the 2021-22 season in the SHL, scoring 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 52 games for his team Brynäs IF. That may not pop out, but the SHL is not an easy league to play in. Noel has had time playing against men and now gets a chance to develop directly with the Hurricanes organization.
Gunler becomes the fourth player from the 2020 draft class to sign a contract with the Canes. Joining Seth Jarvis (1st round), Vasiliy Ponomarev (2nd round), and Ronan Seeley (7th round). This draft class has become a staple in the Hurricanes’ prospect pool, and the team hopes more of these players can impact the main roster.
In the meantime, Noel Gunler will sign a professional tryout contract with Chicago Wolves in order to join the Canes’ AHL affiliate.