NHL 19: Carolina Hurricanes Player Ratings, Roster & Top Prospects

(Image Source: EA Sports)

The Carolina Hurricanes have been working towards something great for a couple of seasons, adding a new element to up their level in each campaign. Now, while it’ll take a big effort from the young stars of the team, the Canes could make it into the playoffs this season. If not, bar any contract issues with their top players, it won’t be long before the Hurricanes are playoff regulars. 

Sebastian Aho, Left Wing, 85 OVR

Age: 21Role: Two-Way Left WingHeight: 180cmWeight: 78kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 89 Offensive Awareness, Passing, Puck Control

Sebastian Aho is part of this latest wave of immensely talented Finns breaking into the NHL, putting up 29 goals and 65 points in 78 games last season. A very smart player, Aho has been given a lot of responsibility with plenty of minutes per game, but he’s proving that he can handle all phases of play with 26 points and a +4 rating through 25 games.

Justin Faulk, Defenseman, 85 OVR

Age: 26Role: Offensive DefensemanHeight: 183cmWeight: 97kgShoots: RightBest Stats: 92 Stick Checking. 90 Passing, Puck Control, Offensive Awareness, Slap Shot Power 

Injuries have hampered Justin Faulk’s ascendency to being rated among the very best defensemen in the NHL, but that hasn’t stopped him from carrying the Hurricanes until the team around him develops into a potentially formidable force. He had a strong 76-game, 31-point season in 2017/18 but was a bit slow out of the gate this season with eight points in 25 games. Regardless, he’ll continue to guide the team from the blueline throughout the season.

Petr Mrazek, Goaltender, 82 OVR

Age: 26Role: Hybrid GoaltenderHeight: 188cmWeight: 82kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 88 Agility, Speed, Vision

After trading a third-round pick and agreeing on a four-year contract with Scott Darling last summer – which, at the time, looked to set up Carolina in the goaltending department for many years – the Hurricanes have already moved on to a new goalie. Cue Petr Mrazek, who was once tipped as one of the league’s best young goalies with the Detroit Red Wings. Now, Mrazek is battling for a starting role against Curtis McElhinney and losing, only winning three games in eight starts with a .880 save percentage. Darling cleared the waivers on November 29 to play with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL.

NHL 19 Carolina Hurricanes Roster

From the Day 1, September 13 update, this is how the Carolina Hurricanes’ first lines start. With Jordan Staal to win faceoffs and anchor the line, Sebastian Aho and fellow Finn Teuvo Teravainen can run riot up the wing, breaking with speed and clinical shooting. Jaccob Slavin plays as the muscle and defensive mind alongside Justin Faulk, who pushes the offense. 

Sebastian Aho (85) – Jordan Staal (83) – Teuvo Teravainen (85)Jaccob Slavin (84) – Justin Faulk (85)Petr Mrazek (82)

Andrei Svechnikov, Right Wing, 80 OVR

Age: 18Role: Right Wing SniperHeight: 191cmWeight: 83kgShoots: LeftPotential: Elite med

The undisputed second overall selection in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Andrei Svechnikov boasts tremendous shooting ability while using his size to dominate in the corners and shrug off incoming defensemen trying to steal his puck. His immense dynamism is reflected in his 83 body checking, 86 speed, acceleration, and agility, as well as his ratings of 84 or above in all shooting categories. It won’t be long before he becomes one of the most feared players in the NHL with the puck on his stick, boasting six goals and 12 points through the easing-in part of his rookie season.

The Carolina Hurricanes boast a wide array of young talents in their prospect pool, with a focus on two-way and defense-minded players. Julien Gauthier and Jake Bean weigh-in as the highest-rated skaters right now, while Alex Nedeljkovic has the potential to eventually cure the goaltending problems which continue to ail the Canes.

NHL 19 Carolina Hurricanes Top Prospects