Checking in on the Prospects: NCAA Edition

As it currently stands, we are about a week away from the conference tournaments for the NCAA season.  This is a great time to check in on the ‘Canes prospects currently honing their craft at the NCAA level.

Scott Morrow D Umass

Holding the title of the second best defensive prospect in the Hurricanes system, Morrow has produced at a steady level throughout his collegiate career.  He is viewed as a player capable of creating offense from the defensive zone and being the point man on the powerplay.  It is a bit concerning seeing Morrow’s point production decrease over the course of his college career.  It is hopeful the ‘Canes are able to sign him to his entry level deal following the season.  If the ‘Canes are unable to sign him following the college season, he could be a candidate to be moved.

Future outlook: 2nd Pair D-Man with powerplay ability.  Potential Brady Skjei replacement. 

Jackson Blake RW North Dakota

The son of former NHLer and 40-goal scorer Jason Blake, Jackson has shown the ability to put up points (Averaging over a point per game) in his career at North Dakota.  While an undersized forward, Blake is a crafty and creative player; showcasing a high level of skill and hockey IQ.    Blake will most likely need to spend some time in the AHL to develop but he has the potential to be a playmaking winger in the NHL.  As a fourth-round draft pick, Blake could be a potential steal for the Hurricanes.

Future Outlook: Middle Six Winger with powerplay potential

Bradley Nadeau W/C Maine

Last year’s first-round pick entered the college ranks with the reputation of a player with an elite level, quick release shot, and high-level skating ability. Nadeau has continued his production from the Junior level with a fantastic first season at the University of Maine.  He is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with 16 goals and 23 assists. My guess is Nadeau stays for one more season at Maine before signing his entry-level deal in the 2025 offseason.  As he matures and continues to grow his game, Nadeau could become a player similar to current Hurricane Seth Jarvis.

Future Outlook: Top Six Forward and powerplay sniper

Cruz Lucius RW Wisconsin

Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Lucius was viewed as a playmaking winger with solid puck skills.  Going into his draft year, there were questions about how his skating ability would translate to the pace of the pro game.  While Lucius presents a solid stat line in college (averaging a point per game), he will likely need to spend another year developing at the college level as well as time in the AHL before he will be ready for NHL minutes.

Future Outlook: 3rd line winger and penalty killer

Lucas Mercuri C Umass

The Hurricanes picked up Mercuri with their 6th-round pick in the 2021 draft.  Mercuri has a large frame, standing 6’3, but still has some room to grow as he matures.  His stat line doesn’t jump off the page, failing to average more than a point per game once he moved into the Junior and College levels.  Mercurii will need to develop a strong defensive zone game, faceoff ability, and add a bit of grit to his play to stick in the NHL.  

Future Outlook: Ceiling -> 4th line center.  Floor -> AHL middle six

Cade Webber D Boston

Webber is the oldest prospect on this list having already turned 23 and competing in his fourth year playing for Boston University. Webber has a large, lanky frame (6’6, 200 lbs) but still has good mobility from the back end.  However, he has virtually no offensive upside.  Webber is very limited in his puck skills and playmaking ability.  I could see signing a pro contract after the season ends but unless he reinvents himself as an enforcer, he will be a career leaguer.

Future Outlook: Bounces between the ECHL and AHL

Michael Emerson RW Chicago Steel USHL

Emerson most likely will not spend much time with the Hurricanes organization.   He was another older player picked in 2023 and turned 20 years old at the start of the college season.  Emerson has not shown great production at any level of hockey.  He left the University of North Dakota because of a lack of playing time and returned to his junior team this season.  One would expect a 20-year-old to dominate at the junior level, but Emerson has not shown this ability.  

Future Outlook: Fringe AHLer

Jayden Perron RW North Dakota

Rounding out our list is 2023 third-round draft pick Jayden Perron out of the University of North Dakota.  Perron is a smaller player but has great instincts, hockey IQ, and stick skills to complement his game.  Perron’s production has been slow this season for North Dakota as he adjusts to playing against older competition.  However, he showed playmaking abilities in juniors, scoring 72 points in 61 games during his final season for the Chicago Steel.  Perron will need some more time to develop at the college ranks before he is ready for the pro game.  I expect he also needs a couple of years in the AHL before being able to contribute at the NHL level.

Future Outlook: Middle six winger to dynamic AHL playmaker