Uncertainty Looms Over Hurricanes’ Center Depth
Ever since Vincent Trocheck parted ways with the Carolina Hurricanes, they have not truly had a solid second line centre. At times others have taken that role and showed some promise. But none have truly grabbed that spot by the reigns. Sometimes, head coach Rod Brind’Amour deems his third line as his second with Jordan Staal manning the middle. Other times, the Hurricanes utilized players like Paul Stastny, Jack Drury and most recently Evgeny Kuznetsov to fit that role. The hope after Trocheck departed was to see Jesperi Kotkaniemi take over that role. This too has not come to fruition.
Barring some major trade, Carolina’s centre depth seems to be relying on a lot of hope for one or a few things to come true to carry some success. Yes, Sebastian Aho is the first line centre and there is really no question there. But after that, things get a little interesting.While the Hurricanes made a big move to get Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline this past season, they also made a lower risk/high reward trade with the Washington Capitals. Carolina brought in centre Evgeny Kuznetsov in exchange for a 2025 third round draft pick. Washington retained 50% of Kuznetsov’s salary. Kuznetsov was a lifelong Cap who really solidified their depth down the middle, at times serving as the first- or second-line centre. He really excelled in the playoffs when Washington won the Stanley Cup in 2018.
But then Kuznetsov started slumping in Washington and got wrapped up in some unfortunate things off the ice. His arrival in Carolina seemed to breathe new life into him. He even expressed gratitude for a new chance. In 20 regular season games with Carolina, he only put up seven points. But in the playoffs he scored six points in ten games. While he showed a slight resurgence, there were still some questions on if he can get back closer to his previous form.
Based on past statistics and pure skill, Kuznetsov should be the team’s second line centre. You could argue he may be one of the most skilled players on the team. When Kuznetsov gets the puck, he has the ability to slow the play down and make seemless passes through tight gaps. But does this style work in Rod Brind’Amour’s fast forechecking game plan? Or does his line need to play a different way? While he doesn’t have to get back exactly to his prime, any resemblence of his prior self could provide that strength down the middle. But this is a question the team has high hopes for with little guarantee right now.When the Hurricanes lost Trocheck, the plan seemed to be that Jesperi Kotkaniemi would take over as the second line centre. After a somewhat drama filled offer sheet worked to bring in the Finn, hopes were high. And have been every year since.
Kotkaniemi has shown that he has no issue working hard and playing responsibly defensively. Even analytically, he has been a good performer for the team. He was tenth in Corsi and eight in Fenwick last season, both at 59%, at 5v5 for players playing at least 100 minutes. Meanwhile, his expected goals percentage was at 59% at 5v5. But those are all great if you are simply looking at checking line stats. However, as the team’s second line centre, his 27 points in 79 games and -2 goals above expected simply won’t cut it. Especially for a team with Stanley Cup hopes.
What is unfortunate is that he started the season looking like it was going to be his year. He was driving the team’s offensive production while others were slow to get started. That is until about December of 2023. Then something happened and he just fell off of a cliff. At the end of the season and in the playoffs, he ultimately finished playing on the wing on the fourth line most of the time. It was another tough year for him.But at 24 years old, is this the year that he finally takes a step forward to jump into this slot? While he is starting to look like he may be maxing out at a third line centre spot, Carolina would certainly love if he could rise up closer to their expectations. People develop at different rates as nothing is linear so maybe he is a late bloomer. But whether he is the 2c, 3c or 4c, Carolina is counting on Kotkaniemi coming back strong this season to strengthen the middle.
Jack Drury is another player who could fit in the second line centre role. Every season has seen the 24-year-old U.S. born forward progress in his NHL ability. This past season saw Drury suit up in 74 regular season games and score eight goals and 19 assists. For a chunk of the season, Drury, along with Stefan Noesen, were working together and putting up solid points in depth roles. He is a Brind’Amour player through and through as he plays hard, is a great two-way player, and is strong in the faceoff circle with 55.3% (second on the team).
Considering that this was Drury’s true full NHL season, people seem to forget that he is actually the same age as Kotkaniemi and Andrei Svechnikov. So while some common perception is that Dury may be the next man up, purely on age, he and Kotkaniemi are more or less the same. However, depending on what Drury’s next deal looks like, he is likely cheaper than Kotkaniemi. Which is why it is more palatable to put him in a 3c or 4c role