Carolina Draft Review

[DaveG-Canes]

First Round, #19OA: G Felix Sandstrom - Brynas, SHL - 6'2

The phrase of the day is "team needs", and that's exactly what the Hurricanes had in mind when they looked at this draft. With a huge need in net long-term, with Cam Ward's expiring contract after next season, the Hurricanes had a few options to look at, but none more appealing then Felix Sandstrom of Brynas. Sure there were other options, but GM Greybill believed none of the best ones would be on the board after the Canes 3rd round pick came back around. And he was right, Daniel Vladar would go at #59 to San Jose, and McKenzie Blackwood at #72 to Florida. Nobody else was looked at in the same light. So, with that in mind, it was a nervous time waiting for the draft to tick down to #19, and despite numerous offers the Hurricanes wasted absolutely no time in making their selection once it was available. It's likely Sandstrom will get some seasoning in the AHL this season, and once that's done expect him to make an immediate push for the starter job in the 16-17 pre-season.
ETA: 2016-17

Third Round, #79OA: LW Dennis Yan - Shawinigan, QMJHL - 6'1

A guy that, if he were an inch taller, would have likely gone in the first round, Yan fell to #79 somehow and the Canes were quick to scoop up the forward. Yan projects out to be a solid middle-6 forward for the Canes long term, and while he'll never be as physically imposing as one would like he'll be a solid two-way guy with good offense and solid enough defense to be a significant factor on any NZT line.
ETA: 2018-19

Fourth Round, #111OA, C Grayson Pawlenchuk - Red Deer, WHL - 6'0

Another guy that could benefit from a growth spurt, Pawlenchuk is still expected to be a shutdown forward with a decent enough offensive game to go with it. Definitely more of a project player then Yan and expected to be, mostly, a role player when called upon. But if the team needs any help on an H&G or NZT line he'll be perfect in that role.
ETA: 2019-20

Fifth Round, #139OA, RW Matt Luff - Belleville, OHL - 6'2

Never let it be said that drafting for depth is for the pro team only. Luff doesn't project to be a world beater but what he does project as is a solid playmaker at the AHL that will be good enough to fill in on both offense and defense if needed. No specialist here, Luff has size, offense, and defense. And he'll be a top line AHL player here eventually.

Sixth Round, #169OA, C Mitchell Stephens - Saginaw, OHL - 5'11

Again, another pick with organizational depth in mind. The undersized Stephens is still expected to be an impactful player at the AHL level and provide competent enough defense that he could form a nice line there with Luff long-term.

Seventh Round, #199, D Jonathan Leman - Modo, SHL - 6'2

After focusing so hard on forwards and goalie in the first few rounds, Leman is strictly an AHL need pick. While the Canes defense in the future is just about set with Gravel, Jank, Diaby, Koekkoek, Moberg, and Glukhov, more depth is always needed behind them. Leman is an interesting character in that he'll be able to step over and immediately into a top pairing role in Charlotte, most defenders in the Canes system typically need a little (or a LOT) of development before they're able to do that. But, unfortunately for him, that's probably also going to be the high point of his career.