2008: Zach Boychuk ( C ) 14th Overall 127 GP 12 G 18 A 16 PIM
The Hurricanes had a big miss in this draft by selecting undersized forward Zach Boychuk with their first pick. Boychuk was supposed to be a dynamic and skilled offensive player; capable of not just scoring goals but also setting up his teammates. He showed his ability as a point producer during his time in the WHL and also in every season he played in the AHL. However, his game never translated to the NHL level, and never developed into the playmaker the ‘Canes believed he could be. Sometimes players' games aren’t able to work at the highest level and Boychuk is a great example of this. Never being able to stick to an NHL roster, Boychuk has left for Europe and has found a consistent home with Eisbären Berlin in the DEL. The Hurricanes missed on two really good players that were taken after Boychuk. The very next pick, Erik Karlsson (Ouch) was chosen by the Ottawa Senators, and towards the end of the first round, Jordan Eberle was chosen by the Edmonton Oilers. Having one of the best offensive defensemen of his generation go one pick later definitely hurts. Assuming the ‘Canes wanted a forward, Eberle could have been a nice pick in this draft.