The Future is Bright for Hurricanes’ Drury
By Glenn Brewer
The Carolina Hurricanes are on a “heater”. This team is coming into stride just as many questioned the legitimacy of this group.
After an extraordinary six-game road trip where Carolina won 5 of 6 and took a point in the only loss in Anaheim, the Hurricanes have returned home to win three straight games against some very strong opponents.
Despite facing injuries, every player has stepped in and contributed when called upon. Rod Brind’Amour learned more about his depth than he expected this early in the season.
Sebastian Aho remains sidelined but has not gone on the injury reserve.
The injury to Aho is nothing long-term and the coaching staff does not seem concerned. Still, it is important for him to get the proper rest and extra rest if necessary.
He is that important to this team’s main goal of winning a Stanley Cup.
Drury’s Options
Top prospect, Jack Drury, has come up and played solid with consistent time in the lineup but with a limited role in the game.
Drury is getting used to the NHL and learning much from this veteran squad.
The 22-year-old, New York native, has gotten to play in 19 contests with the fourth line. He has had a chance to learn the responsibilities away from the puck and add some offensive skill to a checking line.
Having just two assists, Drury has not directly impacted the scoresheet but has proven his ability.
On a team that is rebuilding or does not have Stanley Cup aspirations, Drury would be able to stay up all season, whether he has been successful or not at this level.
Another advantage to being on a rebuilding team would allow Drury to play in all situations and receive more minutes than he has in Carolina.
Fortunately, and unfortunately for Drury, Carolina is a contender and has no room nor time to allow a youngster to find himself in big minutes.
Unless more injuries occur, this will be the best opportunity that the big club can give him.
With that said, would it be better for him to get more playing time in Chicago with a struggling Wolves team?
Coincidentally, Derek Stepan has begun to heat up with 2 goals in his last 3 games.
Stepan was brought onto this team due to his familiarity with the team from playing in Carolina last season and his affordable salary demand.
In an ideal world, Drury would beat out Stepan for the starting position on the fourth line.
Currently, Stepan is providing much more than expected, and with the imminent return of Aho to the lineup, it may be time for Drury to get some ice time in Chicago.
Don’t get me wrong, Drury is a big part of this organization’s future and surely a contributor to this season but with Stepan playing so well, this could be the right time to make that move.
Surely Drury can return later in the season, but it will also give another player in Chicago a chance to come up and experience how Brind’Amour runs things as a healthy scratch.
As I have mentioned before, these are all good problems to have but still important decisions that have to be made to benefit the organization and the player.