The chaos of an NHL off-season can make you forget about what you already have on your team. NHL training camps are right around the corner and the unsung heroes from last season are back to do work. The Carolina Hurricanes have forward, Stefan Noesen returning after a career season.
The new flashy “toys” purchased through free agency get the attention of the media but the “glue” guys are just as important if not more.
Noesen was a first-round draft pick in the 2011 NHL draft, taken by the Ottawa Senators. Taken 21st overall comes with some expectations and Noesen unfortunately never turned into a superstar player.
The Texas native jumped around from Anaheim to Pittsburgh, with stops in Toronto and San Jose. His most productive season was in New Jersey where he played in 72 games, registering 27 points.
At age 30, Noesen earned a depth position on Rod Brind’Amour’s squad and provided physicality and some offensive punch from the bottom lines.
Quickly throughout the start of the season, the 6’1 forward started to produce more and more. The power play benefited greatly from his presence in front of the net, with a strong shot in close.
Playing in a career-high 78 games for the Canes, the veteran flourished and finished with 7 goals on the man advantage and a career-high 36 points.
Becoming a fan favorite quickly, Noesen brought his energy and effort every night while filling in for injured players on the top lines.
With the upcoming season being touted as a Stanley Cup-winning season, Noesen has once again fallen under the radar. Michael Bunting, Dmitry Orlov, and Tony DeAngelo have taken the spotlight in the summer, and rightfully so.
The special teams’ impact will be needed once again this season while playing important depth minutes to grind away the opposition for the big guns to take advantage of.
I have no doubt that the Plano native will be able to bring the same style of play and hopefully remain healthy. That style of play can put you in spots where injuries can occur.
At just $762,500, he will be a huge steal on this Carolina team and Brind’Amour will rely on him throughout the long season.