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

Reviewing all the Hurricanes first round draft picks from 2018-2023

By Erik Fowlie

2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7
2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7 / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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Niko Mikkola, Zachary L'heureux
Nashville Predators v Florida Panthers - Game 2 / Joel Auerbach/GettyImages

2021: No First Round Pick

The Hurricanes traded their first round selection in 2021 to the Nashville Predators. These picks are still far too young and early in their professional careers to give a proper evaluation. With that being said, the Predators used this selection  (27th Overall) to select Zachary L’Heureux out of the QMJHL.  L’Heureux had a decent first professional season in the AHL, producing 48 points in 66 games.  His player profile is defined by his physicality.  While not the biggest player, L’Heureux does not shy away from contact and is not afraid to drop the gloves if necessary (he was second in the AHL in penalty minutes and fought 6 times).  While we still do not know if L’Heureux will become a regular NHLer, the Hurricanes need a player with that profile.