Tropical Storm Warning Part II: Mid Season Review of Hurricanes Prospects

by Dan Canavan

With the New Year upon us, we thought it would be an excellent time to check back in with the 5 prospects that we highlighted at the beginning of the season in Tropical Storm Warning Part I: Five Prospects for Hurricanes Fans to Watch This Season.  Here is our take on where they stand halfway through the 2009-2010 season.

Zach Boychuk – Forward: While Boychuk remains the ‘Canes best prospect, the 19 year old has seen only minimal time in the NHL this season. Through 2 major league games, Boychuk has posted only one point and averaged 14:36 of ice time in a very limited roll. Despite having ample opportunity to give Boychuk significant playing time in Carolina, General Manager Jim Rutherford committed to his development by regulating him to Albany earlier this season. In the American League, he has scored 21 points (9g, 12a) through 32 games. Although Boychuk is gifted with scoring talent and playmaking ability, he needs to become a regular contributor before advancing full time to the big league club. At a recent Albany match against the Hartford Wolf Pack, Boychuk was a nonfactor. And at 5’10” 180 lbs, his lack of big league size may be holding him back. Look for Boychuk to continue to work on his game and consistent play before rejoining Carolina at some point in 2010.

Brandon Sutter – Center: This strange season has given Sutter a chance to contribute in Carolina on a regular basis. And after a slow start, Sutter has taken advantage of every opportunity. Through 30 games, the 20 year old forward has registered 16 points (10g, 6a), and has been averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time. He was the best player on the ice during a recent match against Montreal, where he was spotted on the first line with Ray Whitney and Tuomo Ruutu. While we had expected Sutter to play a significant role in Albany this season, his early play in the NHL may very well keep him in the big leagues for good. 

Drayson Bowman – Forward: Bowman is a talented young winger with significant offensive skills, but he remains a step away from the NHL. As expected, the speedy left winger has had an immediate impact on this year’s River Rats squad, registering 13 points (6g, 7a) through 20 games. In his first year in the American League, Bowman will need more time to develop. Look for Bowman to continue to develop his professional skills in Albany as he helps lead the River Rats into the Calder Cup playoffs.

Brett Carson – Defenseman:Carson has recently been called up from his fourth season in the American League. With Carolina, Carson has posted 3 assists through 11 games. Although he is not projected to be an offensive threat, he has filled in nicely for a depleted blue-line squad, averaging just less than 20 minutes of ice time per contest. Carson is a big stay at home defenseman, whose biggest assets are his large frame, durability and skating ability. While he will someday be an everyday NHL blue-liner, look for Carson to travel between the ‘Canes and the AHL for the remainder of the season.

Justin Peters & Mike Murphy – Goaltenders: Murphy remains an interesting prospect for ‘Canes fans to monitor. Known for his unconventional style and athleticism, Murphy has had a steady and solid first year in the American League. Murphy has been backing up the more experienced Justin Peters, who has had a stellar year, posting a 2.12 GAA through 21 contests. Peters was the best player on the ice in a recent game against Hartford, and clearly has set his sights on the next level. Rutherford has handled the difficult goalie situation well this season, which recently saw Michael Leighton depart for Philadelphia. 

As currently situated, Peters will likely make the jump to back up Cam Ward full time in 2010-2011 with the inevitable departure of Manny Legace at the end of the season. Look for both Peters and Murphy to continue to develop in Albany, while Peters is probably ready for spot duties this season in Carolina. And both netminders will benefit from a long playoff run in Albany.

Although it has been an adventure in Carolina this year, the lackluster results have given these prospects more opportunities to showcase their talents. As the season unfolds, we will monitor these prospects as they continue to develop both in Carolina and the minor leagues. See you all in 2010.

Dan Canavan is an attorney in Hartford, Connecticut. Dan regularly covers business and legal issues facing the hockey industry for ctsportslaw.com. He has appeared as an on-air guest with regard to the NHL and the Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy proceedings on CBC Radio’s World Report. His analysis and commentary have also been published in various media outlets including The National Post, The Windsor Star, The Star Phoenix, The Montreal Gazette, The Edmonton Journal, The Ottawa Citizen, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Faceoff.com, and the Sports Litigation Alert. You can follow Dan on Twitter at twitter.com/DanielRCanavan. Dan can be contacted directly at dcanavan@ctsportsgroup.com.

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