A Review of the Carolina Hurricanes First Round Draft Picks Part III: 2018-2023

2019: Ryan Suzuki (F) 28th Overall 0 Gp 0 G 0A 0 PIM

This draft pick is starting to look more and more like a bust as the years go by.  Suzuki is talented. He was arguably the Hurricanes' best forward at the Prospects tournament last year.  When healthy, Suzuki is a dynamic and creative forward, capable of finding his teammates in prime positions to put the puck in the net.  However, the ability to stay healthy is an issue plaguing him throughout his professional career.  Suzuki is back on a 1 year contract this year.  There is still hope that he can stay healthy and become a solid middle six for the Hurricanes. However, if the same issues rear their head again, Suzuki will likely go to another organization or make the jump to Europe.  This was a late first-round pick and the players picked after Suzuki also have made no impact. Hindsight is 20/20 but the Hurricanes could have been better served sending this pick for an NHL-ready player.