RALIEGH, NC – The Hurricanes have had several solid drafts in recent years. Today we take a look at some of them that should make an impact with Carolina this season, or with the teams AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats. FORWARDS Zach Boychuk – The Carolina Hurricanes’ first round draft pick (14th overall) in this years NHL Entry Draft suffered a wrist fracture during last seasons WHL playoffs with Lethbridge and had surgery in July to repair it. Boychuk was not expected to participate in full practices at this years training camp, however on Monday, Boychuk met with the team doctor and received the green light to participate in the morning skate. Although he won’t be cleared for contact for a few more weeks, there is the possibility that he could be ready for the Hurricanes final pre-season game. Normally junior players aren’t kept around that long, but with Boychuk’s shooting accuracy, great stick handling, and overall skill level that made him the teams number one draft choice, the coaches may opt to keep him in Raleigh a little while longer to see what he is capable of during game action. If given the opportunity to show the coaches exactly what his capabilities are in game action, he may be sticking around for the rest of the season. However, with the talent and competition of this year’s forwards, chances are that Boychuk will go back to juniors, plus he will most likely be named to Team Canada to play in the World Junior tournament this season. Brandon Sutter was the Carolina Hurricanes first round draft choice (11th Overall) in 2007, and signed a three-year, entry-level contract last March. Sutter finished out last season with the Hurricanes AHL farm team in Albany to positive reviews. Three months ago, the 19 year old was penciled in as the Canes fourth-line center and was expected to be with the team on opening day. There’s no question hockey is in his blood. His father, Brent, coaches the New Jersey Devils and was arguably the most successful of the six hockey-playing Sutter brothers. Brandon is the ninth member of the Sutter family, and third of the second generation, to be drafted in the NHL. When Sutter arrived in Albany, his pedigree was as apparent to his new teammates as his ability. His work ethic obviously is instilled in him and he’s a great player and a great talent. Also drafted in 2007 was Drayson Bowman, the Canes third-round draft choice, signed an entry level contract following the 2007-08 season. Bowman played last season for the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) who won the Memorial Cup tournament. Bowman has the talent to make the big club, however, with the competition of talented forwards already on the team, it is more than likely that he will return to his junior team. Harrison Reed, signed a three-year entry-level contract in May. Reed was a third-round pick in 2006, and was one of the big surprises of training camp last season. The Hurricanes think Reed could be the kind of player whose skills (skating ability and a good shot) may be a better fit for professional hockey than they were at the junior level. Reed, at age 20, will probably start the season with Albany. Bobby Hughes signed an entry level contract in April of 2007 and started his professional career with Albany, but a neck injury allowed Hughes to only appear in 26 games. A fourth round draft choice in 2006, Hughes is a gifted shooter and, barring any complications from his injury, will be a key player in Albany this year. Other forwards to watch this season are Stefan Chaput, drafted in the fifth round in 2006. Nick Dodge was drafted in the sixth round (2006) completed his senior year playing college hockey for the Clarkson Knights (ECAC). Justin McCrae, a fourth round draft pick (2007) will be a teammate of Bowman when he joins him with the Spokane Chiefs to help defend their title. DEFENSE Brett Bellemore, who was drafted by the Canes in the sixth round (2007), is a big, smart defenseman who can log plenty of minutes. Last season he played his third season with the Plymouth Whalers (OHL) and scored 6 goals and 18 assists and finished the season with Albany playing in the teams last six regular-season games, and in five of the team’s seven postseason games. Drafted in the fourth round in 2004, Brett Carson is one the biggest of Carolina’s top blue line prospects (6 foot 4 inches). He played 77 games for Albany last season when both the Hurricanes and the River Rats suffered several injuries. Carson has spent the last two seasons with Albany and could be the top candidate to be promoted to the Hurricanes. Casey Borer, a 3rd round draft choice in the 2004, played at St. Cloud University (WCHA). Last season, Borer was impressive with 6 goals and 13 assists for Albany, but he really got noticed when he appeared in 11 games for the Hurricanes. Unfortunately for Borer, a knee injury ended his season. Borer will more than likely start out the season with Albany to make sure his knee is 100 percent. GOALIES The Hurricanes drafted Goaltender Daniel Manzato in the fifth round, 160th overall, in 2002. Manzato, 24, signed a one year contract in June with the Carolina Hurricanes after completing his first season of North American professional hockey while playing with the Charlotte Checkers and the Las Vegas Wranglers (ECHL). Manzato began the season with the Florida Everblades (the ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes), but was transferred to Charlotte before playing a single game where he posted a 2-0-0 record and a 2.00 goals-against average for Charlotte before being assigned to Las Vegas. He helped the Wranglers to a 47-13-12 regular-season record and the Pacific Division title. He represented the National Conference at the 2008 ECHL All-Star game and was named the ECHL Saver of the Month for November. Since Leighton has being assigned to Carolina, Albany will be looking for a new number one goalie. Manzato should get quite a few starts between the pipes for Albany. Justin Peters was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2004 in the second round (38th overall). Peters spent most of the 2006-07 season in Albany and played in only one the Everblades. Last year he spent the majority of the season playing for the Everblades and was named goaltender of the month twice. Look for Justin to start in Albany this season. Mike Murphy was drafted in the sixth round (165th overall) in 2008 and showed an ability to stop the puck by any means necessary. In Raleigh, at the Canes prospect camp, Murphy even had the opportunity to stop a current Hall of Famer, Hurricanes General Manager and Director of Player Development, Ron Francis. Murphy will return for his final year of junior hockey with the Belleville Bulls (OHL). Contact the author at sue.cunningham@prohockeynews.com
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