2008 NHL Season Preview: Carolina Hurricanes Looking for Prospects to Flourish

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 the Carolina Hurricanes became the first team in NHL history to miss two consecutive Stanley Cup Playoffs after winning the coveted trophy. The Hurricanes will be hoping that their crop of youngsters could provide the progress they need to make it back on top this season. The Canes have a strong group from the 2007 draft class who could make the jump to the big leagues next year. They also added depth when selecting center Zach Boychuk, wingers Zac Dalpe and Samuel Morneau, defensemen Michael Jordan and goalie Mike Murphy at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Let's take a look at the other prospects that the Hurricanes have waiting to make the jump to the NHL next season.

Brandon Sutter is the first prospect who could make the move to the big leagues. The 6-foot-3 power forward was taken 11^th overall by Carolina in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and became the ninth member of the Sutter family to be drafted into the NHL. The big solid forward just finished his 3^rd season with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League where he led the team with 26 goals and 49 points. He also helped Team Canada to a World Junior Championship last season. In 2007, the versatile centerman spent time playing in the CHL's Top Prospects Game as well. With the Sutter name on his side, as well as his skills with the puck, look for the newest Sutter to make a splash in the NHL in the seasons to come.

Selected 72^nd overall in 2007, Drayson Bowman is a speedy center who entered Carolina's training camp last season ready to play. According to Ron Francis, Bowman impressed the club and came to camp in great shape. In 2008, Bowman put up 42 goals and 82 points for Spokane of the Western Hockey League. He also was a member of the Memorial Cup All-Star team and was a Second Team WHL All-Star forward. Bowman was the only player to score points in every game during Spokane's Championship run against the Kitchener Rangers and scored 6 goals in only 4 games. The confidence that Bowman gained this season should help him come into camp ready to challenge for an NHL spot this season.

On the defensive side of the puck, the 'Canes drafted Casey Borer 69^th overall in 2004, and Borer has had plenty of time to develop into an NHL ready defensemen. At 6-foot-2 205 pounds, Borer has the size and skill to become a shut-down defensemen in the big leagues. He plays a tough physical game and can provide that all important break out pass out of the zone. Borer proved he could play at the NHL when he had 11 appearances for the 'Canes before suffering from a season ending knee injury. The 'Canes will be expecting big things from Borer as the season starts.

In goal, the 'Canes have a strong prospect in Justin Peters. Goaltending coach Tom Barrasso, known best for his playing days with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has spent most of last season working closely with Peters to develop his skills. Peters will likely spend next season with the 'Canes minor league team in Albany as the number one goaltender after Carolina signed goaltender Michael Leighton to back up Cam Ward for the 'Canes. Watch for Peters to continue to make strides to make the NHL in the next few seasons as his skills progress.