THW Carolina Hurricanes Substack - Sep. 16, 2023
Welcome to the THW Carolina Hurricanes Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Canes writers.
In today’s edition, we have early Hurricanes’ trade deadline targets, the potential of retiring both Staals’ jerseys at the same time, Kotkaniemi as captain, and more.
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Now on to the good stuff…
3 Hurricanes’ Early Trade Deadline Targets
September 11, 2023 by Tommy Bennett
It is never too early to jump ahead and think about the future. With training camp almost underway and preseason games on the horizon, the opening night rosters will be sorted out. In a long and grueling 82-game season, injuries occur, and players can come in to help fill specific needs. Here are three early trade targets for the Carolina Hurricanes for this upcoming season.
Hurricanes Should Retire Eric & Jordan Staal’s Numbers Together
September 14, 2023 by Zach Martin
When Jordan Staal retires, his number 11 should be lifted to the rafters of PNC Arena. Beside his jersey should be older brother Eric’s number 12.
Hurricanes’ Bertuzzi Looking to Further Pro Career at Rookie Camp
September 14, 2023 by Tommy Bennett
The Carolina Hurricanes rookie team headed to Florida on Sept. 14. They’ll compete in the Southeast Rookie Showcase, so seeing what the youth looks like in the system will be great. All eyes are on the prospects, and preseason games are right around the corner. Some intriguing names have been invited to camp and are replacing those who cannot attend.
Tag Bertuzzi has been invited to the rookie showdown in Florida as he replaces Colton Smith (out with injury). He is the son of longtime NHL forward Todd Bertuzzi and is also the cousin of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi. Like his family members, he wants to make a name for himself as his professional career begins.
Hurricanes’ Kotkaniemi Can Be Jordan Staal 2.0
September 15, 2023 by Zach Martin
Over the last few seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes have found ways to unlock potential in players who might have been overlooked by other teams. Whether it be through the draft, free agency, or extended offer sheets, Carolina has found ways to make players fit into their system since Rod Brind’Amour became head coach and Don Waddell took over as general manager.
Among these players is the Hurricanes’ Finnish second-line center Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Carolina extended an offer sheet to restricted free agent Kotkaniemi in August 2021 while he was with the Montreal Canadiens. In the past two seasons, Kotkaniemi’s game has developed exponentially, and his style has been compared to captain Jordan Staal. If he continues this upward trend, he could one day become that Jordan Staal 2.0 that many see in him.