Carolina boasts an impressive system that includes a remarkable third-round selection from 2020, Alexander Nikishin. Although he has yet to appear in an NHL game, he is poised to be a top-four NHL defenseman for many years. Additionally, Seth Jarvis has quickly established himself as one of Carolina’s premier forwards. With a plethora of draft picks, Carolina’s system is quite deep, though the upper echelon doesn’t particularly shine beyond Jarvis and Nikishin.
Key additions: Dominik Badinka, Nikita Artamonov
Key graduates: N/A
2023 ranking: 14
2024 NHL Draft grade: B
Player Ranking
1. Alexander Nikishin, D
Oct. 2, 2001 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 69 in 2020
Tier: Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: High-end
Shot: High-end
Analysis: Over the past two seasons, Nikishin has emerged as the leading scorer among KHL defensemen. He has made a name for himself in the league and appears poised to become a star in the NHL as well. His combination of height, agility, and puck-moving abilities, paired with a fierce physicality, makes him a formidable presence on the ice. He is known for delivering crushing checks and can also execute complex plays with the puck. Capable of quarterbacking a power play and possessing a powerful shot from the point, he has showcased all the essential attributes of a standout defenseman since his offensive game took flight a few years back. Nikishin’s KHL contract with SKA extends until the end of the 2024-25 season.
2. Seth Jarvis, C
Feb. 1, 2002 | 5-foot-10 | 175 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 13 in 2020
Tier: Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: High-end
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Jarvis has quickly become a vital cog in the Carolina Hurricanes, showcasing a continuous upward trajectory in his development over the past five years. He is versatile, capable of playing in all situations, and is well-liked due to his speed, skill, and impressive work ethic. Despite his smaller stature, Jarvis excels in puck battles and exhibits remarkable courage on the ice. Known for creating scoring chances near the net, his combination of effort and speed allows him to win many races and force opponents into errors. While his skills, playmaking ability, and hockey IQ are solid, they are not the defining characteristics of his game. Jarvis appears destined to evolve into a long-term top-line winger.
3. Dominik Badinka, D
Nov. 27, 2005 | 6-foot-2 | 185 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 34 in 2024
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Badinka transitioned from Finland to Sweden this season, quickly establishing himself as a regular in the SHL after a solid start at the J20 level. Despite his promising performance, he was excluded from Czechia’s world juniors team. He possesses numerous attributes desirable for the NHL, including size, mobility, and the capacity to generate offensive plays. His powerful skating stride allows him to make skilled plays and move the puck effectively at the professional level. While his pure playmaking may not be particularly thrilling, I foresee potential for secondary offense from him in the NHL. Badinka’s defensive skills are adequate, aided by his quick feet and reach, though he may not be physically imposing, which raises some questions among scouts about whether he might become a tweener at the professional level. Nonetheless, I believe his two-way game is sufficiently robust to possibly position him as a No. 4-5 defenseman in the NHL.
4. Nikita Artamonov, RW
Nov. 17, 2005 | 5-foot-11 | 187 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 50 in 2024
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Artamonov made significant contributions on a KHL team, including playing a vital role in Torpedo’s power play. He is a forward known for his exceptional hands, awareness, and vision, capable of creating many inventive plays. His strong skating ability and capacity to generate offense quickly helped him transition to the professional game, where he has consistently outmaneuvered KHL defensemen with his skill set. It’s rare to see KHL draft-eligible players provide such impact, especially two from the same team, as seen with him and Silayev. Although Artamonov is not particularly tall and not a natural goal scorer, he competes adequately; however, I would not categorize him as the type of competitor ideal for a smaller winger role. This leads to his projection as more of a middle-six scorer.
5. Bradly Nadeau, RW
May 5, 2005 | 5-foot-10 | 160 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 30 in 2023
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot:
Above NHL average
Analysis: Nadeau excelled as a top forward in Hockey East during his freshman year and signed with Carolina after his collegiate season concluded. As a winger with abundant offensive skills, he combines impressive individual talent with NHL speed. This combination makes him particularly threatening in transition, where he can outmaneuver defenders in one-on-one situations. He has a keen sense of the ice and boasts an exceptional wrist shot and one-timer, able to score from distance against goalies. His shot is both quick and powerful, as he accurately rifles pucks into corners like a true NHL scorer. While Nadeau isn’t the largest winger and sometimes tends to play along the perimeter, relying on his shot to produce offense from afar, it remains uncertain how effective this style will be in the professional ranks. Nonetheless, Nadeau shows promise as a potential middle-six winger.
6. Scott Morrow, D
Nov. 1, 2002 | 6-foot-2 | 195 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 40 in 2021
Tier: Expected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Morrow concluded his three-year college stint as a highly effective defenseman. Possessing strong skating abilities and a free-flowing, skillful playing style, he excels at attacking with creativity and a powerful shot. There is no doubt that Morrow has the capability to score professionally and quarterback a power play. However, concerns surrounding his game have consistently focused on his performance without the puck. At times, he encounters difficulties in his defensive zone, and given his size and skating abilities, he will need to exhibit exceptional offensive skills to secure a lengthy NHL career. It will be interesting to see whether he can refine these aspects of his game now that he has signed with Carolina.
7. Felix Unger Sorum, RW
Sept. 14, 2005 | 5-foot-11 | 170 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 62 in 2023
Tier: Expected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Unger Sorum had a noteworthy NHL camp with Carolina and impressed while playing for Leksands in the SHL as well as with Sweden’s U20 team. He even received an invitation to play for Sweden’s senior team. Known as an excellent playmaker, Unger Sorum possesses great poise and vision, allowing him to effectively run a power play. He is a skilled puckhandler capable of executing difficult plays under pressure. His shot is decent, though he doesn’t score frequently. Although Unger Sorum strides well, he isn’t particularly fast for a 5-11 winger. He has the requisite NHL skill and demonstrates a strong work ethic, but he must prove that he can stand out, both with and without the puck, to achieve a successful NHL career.
8. Jackson Blake, RW
Aug. 3, 2003 | 5-foot-10 | 152 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 109 in 2021
Tier: Expected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Blake emerged as one of college hockey’s standout players during his sophomore year, which led to a contract with Carolina. He captivates audiences with his exceptional skill and intelligence, showcasing remarkable vision that enables him to create numerous opportunities for his teammates. He effectively dismantles defenses with his abilities and possesses a powerful wrist shot, making him well-equipped to quarterback a professional power play. His skating is adequate, marked by good elusiveness, but he lacks the explosive speed desired in a smaller player. He competes sufficiently and isn’t afraid to take on defenders. Although he has potential, I remain cautious about labeling him a long-term NHL player until I observe how his game adjusts to the professional level.
9. Alexander Rykov, RW
July 14, 2005 | 6 feet | 176 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 100 in 2023
Tier: Projected to compete in NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Rykov spent the entire season competing against men, achieving success in Russia’s second-tier league. He is an adept puckhandler who frequently beats defenders one-on-one with speed. His skating ability is solid, allowing him to evade pressure and navigate around defenders in the professional arena. When fully healthy this season, I observed a greater willingness from him to drive to the net and challenge defenders. This combination of speed and skill may enable him to develop into a bottom-six winger.
10. Timur Kol, D
Aug. 23, 2006 | 6-foot-3 | 204 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 168 in 2024
Tier: Projected to compete in NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Kol played for a significant portion of the season in Russia against men in their second-tier league. He is a skilled defenseman leaning towards offense. An intelligent puck-mover, he can deliver a strong first pass and create opportunities from the offensive blue line. However, scouts have criticized his skating technique, specifically the way he positions his feet. Despite this, he is a powerful skater who effectively escapes pressure and can activate from the point. His shot is good, and he possesses the skill to score points against seasoned players. Nevertheless, his defensive play leaves much to be desired; he lacks physicality and needs to enhance his defensive coverage. The hope is that, with his size and agility, he can make sufficient stops and retrieve the puck effectively while combining it with his offensive skill set. He has the potential to be a third-pair defenseman.
Has a chance to play*
Gleb Trikozov appears to be a strong candidate for an NHL forward position. He is large, possesses good skating ability, great skill, and is a genuine scoring threat. However, his competitive consistency can be a concern. Should he improve in this area, his chances of playing will increase. Alongside Trikozov, Carolina has made numerous mid- to late-round investments in various Russian players. Noel Frasen is an average-sized defenseman with good skating and playmaking abilities, as well as a solid point shot.
Fyodor Avramov, LW
Nov. 19, 2005 | 6-foot-3 | 190 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 188 in 2024
Simon Forsmark, D
Oct. 17, 2003 | 6-foot-2 | 191 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 101 in 2022
Noel Fransen, D
Dec. 7, 2005 | 6 feet | 183 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 69 in 2024
Vladimir Grudinin, D
Dec. 9, 2003 | 5-foot-10 | 158 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 156 in 2022
Ruslan Khazheyev, G
Nov. 20, 2004 | 6-foot-4 | 201 pounds | Catches left | Drafted: No. 158 in 2023
Charles-Alexis Legault, D
Sept. 5, 2003 | 6-foot-3 | 208 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 139 in 2023
Justin Poirier, RW
Sept. 4, 2006 | 5-foot-7 | 185 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 156 in 2024
Justin Robidas, C
March 13, 2003 | 5-foot-8 | 173 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 147 in 2021
Ronan Seeley, D
Aug. 2, 2002 | 6 feet | 176 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 208 in 2020
Gleb Trikozov, LW
Aug. 12, 2004 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 60 in 2022
Stanislav Yarovoi, RW
Aug. 26, 2003 | 5-foot-11 | 190 pounds | Shoots right | Drafted: No. 126 in 2023
Oskar Vuollet, LW
Dec. 3, 2005 | 5-foot-11 | 173 pounds | Shoots left | Drafted: No. 133 in 2024
* Arranged in alphabetical order
Player eligibility: All skaters aged 22 years or younger as of September 15, 2024, are eligible, regardless of the number of NHL games played. Player heights and weights are sourced from the NHL.
Tool grades: Tool grades follow a six-level scale, assessing how each attribute may be rated in the NHL (poor, below-average, average, above-average, high-end, and elite). An “average” rating implies that the tool is expected to perform at NHL average, which is a positive characterization, not a negative one. Every projected NHL player is evaluated on skating, puck skills, hockey sense, and competitive spirit. Shot grades are provided only for shots that are either notably strong or weak.
Tier definitions: Tiers illustrate the likely position of a player within a typical NHL lineup.
(Top image of Alexander Nikishin: Maksim Konstantinov / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Evaluating the Carolina Hurricanes’ Promising Prospect Pool: Stars in the Making
Overview of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Prospect Pool
The Carolina Hurricanes boast one of the most promising prospect pools in the NHL, showcasing a blend of young talent and potential future stars. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, it’s crucial to evaluate these prospects and how they can contribute to the franchise’s success. With significant changes on the roster for the 2024-25 season, the development of these players will be essential for the Hurricanes’ long-term goals.
Key Prospects to Watch
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout prospects in the Hurricanes’ system, focusing on their skills, potential, and what they bring to the table.
1. Andrew Poturalski
- Position: Forward
- Age: 27
- Previous Season Performance: 55 points in 60 games
Poturalski has shown great offensive capabilities in the AHL, making him a player to watch for a potential call-up. His speed and agility allow him to create scoring opportunities, and his vision on the ice is exceptional.
2. Jack Drury
- Position: Center
- Age: 23
- Previous Season Performance: 30 points in 50 games
Drury is a well-rounded center known for his two-way game. His ability to play both offensively and defensively makes him a valuable asset. As he gains more experience, he’s expected to take on a larger role within the team.
3. Seth Jarvis
- Position: Right Wing
- Age: 21
- Previous Season Performance: 25 points in 70 games
Jarvis is one of the most exciting young talents in the Hurricanes’ system. His offensive instincts and scoring touch set him apart from his peers. With further development, he could become a key player in the Hurricanes’ lineup.
Development Strategies for Prospects
To ensure that these promising prospects reach their full potential, the Hurricanes employ various development strategies:
- Mentorship: Pairing young players with experienced veterans helps them learn the nuances of professional hockey.
- Regular Assessments: Frequent evaluations by coaching staff to tailor training regimens according to each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Game Experience: Encouraging prospects to participate in preseason games and high-stakes situations to build confidence and adaptability.
Factors Affecting Prospect Development
Several factors play a crucial role in the development of the Hurricanes’ prospects, including:
1. Coaching Staff
The coaching staff’s philosophy and approach to player development significantly influence how prospects progress through the ranks. Coaches who prioritize skill development and provide constructive feedback foster a positive environment for growth.
2. Playing Time
Ensuring that prospects receive adequate playing time, whether in the NHL or AHL, is vital for their development. Inconsistent ice time can hinder their growth and confidence.
3. Competitive Environment
Being part of a competitive team can motivate young players to elevate their game. The Hurricanes’ push for playoff contention creates a high-pressure environment that can expedite development.
Case Study: Successful Prospects Transitioning to NHL
Consider the examples of players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, who made significant impacts shortly after their transitions from junior leagues to the NHL. Their success stories provide a blueprint for how the Hurricanes can maximize the potential of their current prospects.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches
Coaches often emphasize the importance of mental toughness and resilience in developing young players. A focus on psychological aspects complements physical training, ensuring prospects are well-rounded athletes ready for the demands of the NHL.
Benefits of a Strong Prospect Pool
A robust prospect pool provides numerous benefits for the Carolina Hurricanes:
- Increased Depth: Young, talented players can step in and fill gaps left by injuries or trades.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Relying on homegrown talent can save the franchise money, allowing for investments in other areas of the team.
- Sustained Success: A steady influx of talent ensures that the team remains competitive over the long term.
Future Prospects and Expectations
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes’ management is optimistic about the potential of their prospects. With a focus on skill development and a nurturing environment, the expectation is that several players will make significant contributions in the near future.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The Carolina Hurricanes are strategically positioned to cultivate their promising prospect pool into a lineup of impactful players. As these young talents develop and transition to the NHL, fans can look forward to witnessing the emergence of new stars in the making.
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