The Carolina Hurricanes are in the top two in the Metro Division, and the Chicago Wolves are in the middle of the pack in the AHL's Central Division, fourth place, to be precise. With 48 points, the Wolves are 6 points away from the division leader, Grand Rapids Griffins. Head coach Cam Abbott has done a strong job after being hired this past summer.
Last season, the Canes did not have an AHL affiliate, and the Wolves were independent. It was beneficial for both parties to reach an agreement, which would have provided stability for the organization's players. Some players played on multiple AHL teams last season in separate stints.
The Canes have already reaped the benefits of the Wolves success with call-ups in Ryan Suzuki, Juha Jaaska, Riley Stillman, Tyson Jost, and more recently Scott Morrow. Morrow is on pace for a spot on the Canes next season with the potential exits on the blue line.
Once a top prospect in the Canes system, Justin Robidas has had a great season in Chicago and leads the team with 31 points. Robidas is more of a playmaker, with 21 helpers, second only to Suzuki's 24. Morrow has been a solid, steady defenseman, but this year, he has broken out with the offense. He leads all defensemen with 29 points and 10 goals.
Many expected Bradly Nadeau to make the Canes out of training camp this year but he lost the spot to Jackson Blake, which has proven to be a good decision by the coaching staff. However, Nadeau has had a great start to his professional career with 30 points and a team-leading 16 goals. It is not far-fetched to think that we see Nadeau at some point this season in Raleigh.
Spencer Martin has had the majority of the starts in goal this season, but Ruslan Khazheyev is not far behind, having a solid season.