Carolina Hurricanes- Scoring Winger Needed!

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Carolina Hurricanes- Scoring Winger Needed!

There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Hurricanes this offseason, maybe the most ever. The Canes defense is pretty much solved next season, with the risings of Hanifin, Slavin, and Pesce. James Wisniewski and Justin Faulk will be back healthy for next year, as well. One thing that the Hurricanes are lacking is a legit scoring threat. Besides maybe Jeff Skinner, Carolina doesn’t have a forward that can consistently put up points, night in and night out. There a few options that the Canes have in free agency. Forwards, Kyle Okposo, Andrew Ladd, Loui Eriksson, and David Perron, are all point producing players that can help the Hurricanes return to the playoffs.

David Perron

Perron has bounced around the past couple of seasons, playing for the Oilers, Penguins, and Ducks. The former first round pick, has 332 points in 570 career NHL games. David Perron, is extremely gifted offensively. He can help the Hurricanes on the power play, as well as even strength play, by using his elusive stickhandling, great vision, and scoring touch. It’s a well-known struggle among Caniacs, the shootout. Perron has sick hands, and can help the Canes earn that extra point. Having a first line right winger that can score 25+ goals, will generate more wins in Raleigh.

Ideal Contract: 1 Year, 3.8$ Million

Kyle Okposo

Okposo joining the Canes has been floated around amongst NHL rumor sites. With 369 career points, Kyle has no problem putting up points. He’s a big body that never shies away from hits. He has great puck possession and is wins those one on one battles. Okposo is a rare player that can score those “dirty goals” by crashing the net, or light the lamp on a gifted shot. Having a winger like Kyle on the power play, can increase the Hurricane’s man advantage percentage. Imagine having Kyle Okposo on the first PP unit, and then Jordan Staal on the second PP unit. That’s great net front presence on both lines.  He’s another player that has a ton of skill. He had 5 shootout goals last season, which was tied for second in the NHL. A concern that some fans have is, how much individual skill does he have?  Okposo has been playing with John Tavares for most of his career. Playing with an all-star, it’s very easy to put up a ton of points. How well will he do without Tavares centering him? Matt Moulson, former Islander, played alongside Tavares while he was in New York. When he was traded to Buffalo, he was never able to continue his success. Will Okposo struggle, or will he elevate his game? I think it’s worth the risk.

Ideal Contract: 1 year, $4.2 Million

Loui Eriksson

The Swede is coming off a 30 goal season for the Boston Bruins. Eriksson is the most “complete” forward of the bunch. He adds a mass amount of skill to the lineup. His strengths include stellar offensive awareness, great vision of the ice, and all-around tremendous skating ability. He’s another winger that can score in various ways. Whether it is ripping a shot top shelf, banging home a rebound, or on a deflection, Eriksson is a proven NHL goal scorer.

Ideal Contract: 1 year, $4.4 Million

Andrew Ladd

A member of the 2006 Stanley Cup winning team and former draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, he’s the player that makes the most sense. Ladd would bring leadership and grit to the Canes organization. He was the captain of the Winnipeg Jets for 6 years. The 30 year old has registered 466 points in 769 career NHL games. He has put up 45+ points in his 6 consecutive seasons, and has scored 20+ goals in 5 of those 6. He’s a hardnosed player that also has scoring touch. Andrew is a forward that will grind in the corners and use physicality. That’s been a weakness of the Hurricanes for a few seasons now, and Ladd will help address that issue.

Ideal Contract: 2 years, 4.7$ Million per

Any one of these players would be a tremendous pickup for the Hurricanes. Thanks for reading Caniacs! Please leave me your feedback. All comments are welcome. I look forward to writing more articles this offseason.

In Ron We Trust

Let’s go Hurricanes!