Carolina Hurricanes' top 3 prospects to watch out for in 2024/25 season

Modified Aug 08, 2024 19:35 GMT

Last year, the Carolina Hurricanes finished the regular season in second place in the Metropolitan Division behind the New York Rangers. The team went on to defeat the New York Islanders in a five-game series in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, before getting eliminated by the Rangers in the second round.

This summer, the team lost several key players. This includes Jake Guentzel in free agency after acquiring the star forward leading up to the trade deadline, defenceman Brett Pesce, as well as Teuvo Teravainen via free agency.

Even with the key losses and departure of other vital players such as Stefan Noesen and Brady Skjei, GM Eric Tulsky is not too worried about the situation. As he explained back in July, the team has a slew of developing young players poised to play key roles in the years ahead.

Top three Carolina Hurricanes prospects to watch out for in the 2024-25 season

#1: Scott Morrow

Defenceman Scott Morrow, who is the nephew of former Calgary Flames 1988 95th overall pick Scott Morrow, was selected 40th overall in 2021. Since then, Morrow has continued his development in college, playing for UMass-Amherst.

Over his three seasons with the team, Morrow's play has remained consistent, averaging 31.3 points per game over 36.3 games per season. This year, he is expected to play for the Carolina Hurricanes sparingly on the team's third line given their current roster.

#2: Alexander Nikishin

Another defenceman is expected to finish his contract with the KHL before making the jump to the Carolina Hurricanes next season, Alexander Nikishin should be a player every Hurricanes fan keeps an eye out for this season.

Two seasons ago, he logged 55 points in 65 games for SKA Saint Petersburg, before logging 56 points in 67 games last season. As Tulsky explained, as soon as Nikishin's contract ends, the Hurricanes will look to add him to their roster in the hopes of the 22-year-old being an immediate difference-maker.

#3: Bradly Nadeau

Bradly Nadeau has been one of the prospects the Carolina Hurricanes have been most optimistic about in recent years. After logging 113 points in just 54 games during the 2022-23 season, which he spent in the BCHL, Nadeau logged 46 points in 37 games with the University of Maine last year.

Despite only playing one game for the Hurricanes last season, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract back in April. Look for Nadeau to play in Carolina's top three lines this campaign under coach Rod Brind'Amour as he hopes to make waves in the NHL.