Second Team
Frederik Andersen- Potentially my most "controversial" pick, I think Frederik Andersen has a very interesting case. Andersen has played significantly fewer games with the team than Irbe, attributed greatly to the change in style and Andersen's health issues. However, Andersen put together one of the best seasons by a goalie in franchise history in 2021-22, finishing fourth in Vezina Trophy voting and winning the Jennings Trophy. Andersen also has comparable postseason numbers in fewer games played. As previously stated, I think Irbe will get the nod, but Andersen is my pick.
Dougie Hamilton- While his tenure in Raleigh was relatively brief, Dougie Hamilton's impact can't be ignored. The overall numbers for some defensemen might be more impressive, but Hamilton spent three seasons in Raleigh putting up points. Of defenseman with at least 150 games played for the Canes this century, no one averages more points per game than Hamilton. His final season with the team during the COVID-shortened 2021 campaign saw him finish fourth in Norris Trophy voting. Longevity is an important part of my criteria, but Hamilton is the exception.
Brett Pesce- It's still weird to see Brett Pesce in a jersey without the Hurricanes crest. Signing with New Jersey during the offseason, Pesce ended his time in Raleigh as one of the best defensemen to play for the Canes. He finished just two points shy of 200, sitting in third among defensemen in the second-most games. Spending a lot of time with Jaccob Slavin early in his career, Pesce carved a niche with Brady Skjei over the last few seasons. Never the largest threat offensively, Pesce was a great Hurricane and deserves to be on this list.
Jeff Skinner- This was the hardest of the 12 selections to make because of how many players were deserving. I understand that the ending of his time in Raleigh was sudden, but Jeff Skinner was one of the reasons why watching the Canes during their dark days was fun. The only player to win the Calder Trophy in franchise history, Skinner is third this century in goals, scoring just over 200 after being selected in the first round in 2010.
Justin Williams- While he might not like the nickname, Mr. Game 7 is one of the best. My everlasting image will always be him jumping and celebrating his empty-net goal with Eric Staal in 2006 to clinch the Stanley Cup. With the Hurricanes, Justin Williams had some of his best regular seasons, including the only two 30-goal campaigns of his career. Where he truly shone was in the playoff. I attribute the organizational culture change to him becoming captain and guiding the team back into the playoffs.
Jordan Staal- While not the offensive threat like his older brother, the current captain of the Carolina Hurricanes has been one of the premier defensive forwards in the league for a long time. He's never been honored with the Selke Trophy, but he was the runner up last season. Jordan Staal has played more seasons with the Hurricanes than any player in the franchise's history and will likely pass his brother next season for the most games played in Hurricanes history. Staal also has a knack for clutch postseason moments, tied with Wallin for the most overtime goals in team history.