There seems to be a specific type of player that succeeds when playing with the Carolina Hurricanes, especially up front. There's a standard set by Rod Brind'Amour to excel on both ends of the ice. Guys like Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis were molded into productive two-way forwards, and leaders like Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook show flashes of offense while defending the league's best.
In this year's draft class, one young man stands out above the rest when thinking about the ideal Carolina Hurricane. That player is Bill Zonnon. While listed as a winger, this 6'2" 18-year-old from Montreal can also play center. He's a force on the ice who can do it all. When the draft gets rolling on Friday, the ideal player might find a perfect home.
His numbers show steady improvement in the QMJHL
After beginning in the U.S. prep ranks, Zonnon has played his last three seasons in the QMJHL for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. He put together a respectable 39 points in 63 games during his rookie campaign in 2022-23, but his numbers exploded the following year, scoring 18 goals and 58 points in 68 contests before adding ten points in ten postseason games.
He showed out during his draft year for the Huskies while wearing an "A" for the group. Zonnon shattered his career highs, potting 28 goals, second on the team, 55 assists, fifth in the QMJHL, and 83 points, seventh-most in the league. The Huskies won their division but were swept in the semifinals. Zonnon performed in the playoffs, too, scoring 16 points in 13 games.
Zonnon's scouting report reads like an ideal Brind'Amour type
"Defenders retrieving the puck better hurry their play when facing Zonnon." That sentence alone from Elite Prospects might be the most telling aspect of Zonnon's game. He's a threat from anywhere on the ice, with vision rivaling many prospects in this year's class. Zonnon was used on both special teams, doing a lot of damage from the left dot on the power play.
Zonnon's highlight package shows his willingness to fight in front of the net. He'll put in the hard work around the crease. He's able to play center, as he did this season, but he's also an option on the wing. His scouting report reads like a player the Canes would be all over. Zonnon is responsible in all three zones, forechecks hard, and can put up points.
There's one area of Zonnon's game everyone agrees needs work. For all of his playmaking ability, his skating must improve. Hadi Kelekeche breaks it down best for Elite Prospects, but Zonnon's skating is limited by poor mechanics. He's able to overcome it with good habits, especially on defense. Given the technology available, it's something that can be worked on and improved.
Will he make it to the Hurricanes?
While Zonnon is listed as high as #15 on some boards, most suspect he'll have his name called late in the first round. Adam Kimelman of NHL.com projected he'd land in Raleigh with the 29th pick during a mock in early June. Others feel he might not make it to the Canes that late in the round, or the Canes will trade the pick to move back a little and add draft capital.
If' he's still available and the Hurricanes still have their pick, I don't see why they wouldn't jump all over him. He's perfect for the system, especially given his positional and situational versatility. There's work to be done, and he likely wouldn't immediately make the jump. Zonnon was traded to Blainville-Boisbrand this offseason. I'd expect another year or two before Zonnon signs his ELC.