2025-26- Erik Cole
Before Eric Staal announced his retirement during the offseason, Erik Cole was my frontrunner as this year's Hall of Fame selection. With Staal earning the honor this season, Cole returns to the top of the list. Part of the second draft class in Hurricanes history, the third-round pick was one of the first homegrown talents post-relocation. Along with being Top 10 in goals, assists, points, and games played for the Hurricanes, Cole has a distinction that the three men before him don't.
While he was part of the 2006 Stanley Cup team, Cole was also on the 2002 team that made the first Stanley Cup Final appearance in franchise history. As a rookie, Cole was a big part of the team's run, especially in their semifinal series with the Montreal Canadiens. After scoring the game-tying goal in the Molson Miracle, he scored twice in Game 6's 8-2 rout to help the team advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Present for Staal's big night on Sunday, I wouldn't be surprised if he's the next player honored.