As the Carolina Hurricanes players are finishing up their exit interviews it was revealed that Stefan Noesen suffered a separated shoulder in South Florida. Another tough ending to a great season.
The Texas native had a career-high in points with 36 and tied his previous career-high in goals with 13. The 23 assists blew away his prior career-high of 14 with the New Jersey Devils in the 2017-18 season.
Where Noesen made his mark on the Canes was his net-front presence on the man advantage. 7 of Noesen’s 13 goals were on the power play and he finished with 15 points on the power play.
This trend continued in the first round against the New York Islanders where he was a huge factor early in the series with goals on the power play. He finished with 3 goals and 5 points on the power play in 15 playoff games.
The 6’1 forward started the season playing mostly fourth-line minutes but worked his way up to the top line in the playoffs, playing with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis.
Moving ahead, the 30-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $762,500.
It appears that Noesen fits better in a supporting role on the third or fourth line. His time on the top line was not very productive and a better fit could be had for the likes of Aho and Jarvis.
However, the top power play will be relying on Noesen to have another strong season contributing to an already struggling man advantage. The possibility of Noesen building up and raising his production could bolster the power play which is desperately needed.
A priority for Don Waddell should be adding more scoring punch for the top lines while the depth forwards are well covered with players like Noesen.
This summer the two sides may discuss a contract extension as it would benefit the player and the team. If Noesen puts up another productive season he may price himself out of Raleigh.