Before taking over as GM of the Hurricanes, Rich Basterd had identified adding some additional picks at the trade deadline. Though one of those picks was eventually moved this offseason (Calgary’s 3rd) to acquire a veteran center in Vermette, the other 2 picks acquired were put to good use. Being active in several trades this offseason involving some youngsters means Carolina needed to restock some of the prospect pool.

Here’s the breakdown of all the new baby Canesin the organization:

Round 1, #12 pick
C Luke Kunin, (NCAA) Wisconsin University, 5’11” 195 lbs
Stats: 34GP 19G 13A 32pts 52PIM
Drafted by NHL: Minnesota Wild, 1st round, pick 15
Projection: Upside of a Joe Pavelski but should at least be a top 6 forward

Comments: Possibly seen as a bit of a reach at 12 but I have a gut instinct about him. He was just 17 yrs old in his freshman yr at Wisconsin so still one of the younger players in the draft but had a very strong yr against older players. Tons of character too so he’s not just all about scoring and can play in all 3 zones. I think the Wild will use him as a C so gives me an eventual high-end 2C behind Barkov.

Other prospects considered at this pick: Jost (if he fell) and Bellows

Round 2, #42 pick
D Philippe Myers, (QMJHL) Rouyn-Noranda, 6’5″ 210 lbs
Stats: 63GP 17G 28A 45pts 44PIM
Drafted by NHL: Undrafted, signed as FA by Philadelphia Flyers
Projection: #4 D-man who can play an all-around game

Comments: He’s a kid who I had rated as good as anyone I could’ve drafted at the end of the 1st round so falling to my pick was fantastic. Some will question where he will fit in long term with the depth the Flyers have on defense but he’s a RHD which they are not that deep at so he should be a top 4 d-man, likely on the 2nd pairing. He had an offensive coming out party this past season that shows he can be a 2-way type of defender too.

Other prospects considered at this pick: Mascherin, Borgstrom, Bastian and Bitten

Round 2, #58 pick (via Detroit)
C Dillon Dube, (WHL) Kelowna Rockets, 5’10” 185 lbs
Stats: 65GP 26G 40A 66pts 50PIM
Drafted by NHL: Calgary Flames, 2nd round, pick #56
Projection: A feisty 3rd liner who could move up to the 2nd line

Comments: He’s been described as an agitator type of player but he has some good offensive upside too. Compared at times to Brendan Gallagher, the the question will be can he play the same style at the NHL level. He probably tops out as a 3rd liner (probably best to play on the wing but could be a good C too). Gave up a future 2nd round pick to acquire him so hoping he pans out well.

Other prospects considered at this pick: Bitten, Kyrou, and Dineen

Round 4, #112 pick (via Pittsburgh)
LW/RW Jack Kopacka, (OHL) Saulte Ste. Marie Greyhounds, 6’2″ 190 lbs
Stats: 67GP 20G 23A 43pts 12PIM
Drafted by NHL: Anaheim Ducks, 4th round, pick #93
Projection: Bottom 6 power forward with some offensive upside

Comments: While I was hoping Filipe would have fallen to this spot, I was okay selecting Kopacka too. He probably doesn’t have much future as a top 6 winger but should likely be at least an NHLer. Hoping he can be a north-south winger but at least feel confident in him being a rated sim player.

Other prospects considered at this pick: Hunt, Filipe, and Ang

Round 5, #150 pick (via Tampa Bay)
D Dan Renouf, (NCAA) Univ. of Maine, 6’2″ 205 lbs
Stats: 38GP 6G 9A 15pts 36PIM
Drafted by NHL: Undrafted, signed as FA by Detroit Red Wings
Projection: Bottom pair 2-way d-man but could possibly move up

Comments: Signed after his junior year, Renouf could be another Dekeyser type of d-man coming from the NCAA but better defensively. He keeps it simple and he has good mobility so he plays a mistake-free style of game. Probably will be a bottom pairing guy but because he plays so simple, he could be a good complimentary guy on the 2nd pairing.

Other prospects considered at this pick: Mattson, Somppi, Bratt, and Lappin

Round 7, #192 pick
C/RW Justin Scott, (OHL) Barrie Colts, 6’1″ 200 lbs
Stats: 67GP 28G 37A 65pts 60PIM
Drafted by NHL: Undrafted, signed as FA by Columbus Blue Jackets
Projection: Middle 6 forward who is a good complementary type

Comments: At this late of a pick, I felt like going with a 20 yr old undrafted kid who’s been solid but unspectacular the last 2 yrs. Reminds me a bit of Bozak in that he’s not special in any one area but solid all-around. Good at even strength, in the faceoff dot, and seems like a deceptive shot so could be a guy that makes it to the NHL in 3-4 yrs.

Other prospects considered at this pick: Sawchenko, Fortier, and Pribyl