5. Teuvo Teravainen
The Hurricanes played most of last season with Teravainen on the shelf and it is very evident how much the team missed him. This year Teravainen has been a force, especially on special teams. Out of his 60 points, 30 have been on the powerplay and 3 have been shorthanded.
Along with his known passing ability, he yet again has scored 20 goals to boot. He has reached 20 goals for the third time in his career and as a Hurricane. His crisp passing and high hockey IQ makes him extremely valuable to this team year in and year out.
4. Andrei Svechnikov
Andrei broke out during the 2019-20 season, and although he took a step back last season, he is fully back now. He uses his size and speed is incredibly unique ways to create chances for the team and completely tilt the ice in the Canes’ favor.
Svechnikov hit the 30-goal plaque for the first time in his career and something tells me that won’t be the last time we see at least 30 goals from Mr.Svechnikov. Andrei has had strong playoff performances in the past and will look to add to that this May and June. He has started carving out a very nice legacy for himself in just four short years.
3. Jaccob Slavin
The backbone of the Hurricanes’ defense had yet another stellar season, and arguably his best one yet. It is not a coincidence that both Bear and DeAngelo look like much better players next to Slavin. Along with his patented spectacular defense, Slavin now has a 40-point campaign on his resume. He hit new career highs in assists and points this year, showing off his offensive ability that isn’t talked about enough.
I don’t know if Slavin is still “underrated” or not but we must continue to have the discussion of how good he really is. This team wouldn’t be nearly as strong without him. Each year he’s shown more and more that he’s not JUST a defensive guy, he has really good offensive instincts that allow him to be such a force on both ends of the ice.
2. Sebastian Aho
Aho had a really big season, again. Not only does he have the highest points per game of his career, but he is also climbing the ranks for most goals and points as a Hurricane. Sebastian Aho’s will to win has been felt throughout the season and the Finnish star only continues to improve every season.
Aho’s disappointment after last season’s elimination at the hands of the Lightning was very promising to see, he has even more motivation heading into this postseason. Seabass is going to have a good playoff run per usual to make this one of the best single-season performances by a Cane ever.
1. Frederik Andersen
I can confidently say that without Frederik Andersen, I don’t think that the Hurricanes would be a top 3 team in the Metro division this season. Andersen has won this team so many games it’s almost silly. The Hurricanes team defense really isn’t as good as it’s credited for, but Andersen has masked just about any inefficiency they may have by being so stellar.
The scariest thing to happen to the Canes this season is seeing Andersen injured. No offense to Raanta, but we have seen Frederik win countless games for us and there is nobody I would rather have backing our team than the “Great Dane”.
Question for Cardiac Cane readers: Who has been the best Cane this season in your opinion?