Since the last Sunday Canes Chronicle two weeks ago, the NHL playoffs have kicked off and even concluded already in the case of a couple first round series. For Canes fans, we have Charlotte Checkers’ playoffs and also a number of Canes prospects still active in the Canadian juniors playoffs. And for some Canes fans who are not into the AHL or prospects, they are already looking past the 2016-17 season that is over at least at the NHL level for the Hurricanes and are instead are looking forward to the summer.
Today’s Sunday Canes Chronicle covers all bases with articles on Ron Hainsey in the NHL playoffs, the Checkers first round of the playoffs, Canes prospects active in the Canadian juniors playoffs and even an early look forward to the 2017 NHL draft.
Hurricanes prospects in the Canadian juniors playoffs
Thus far, the Hurricanes prospects in the Canadian juniors playoffs have been on fire.
Nikki Stoudt at CarolinaHurricanes.com recaps the Hurricanes prospects playoff success and offers some great video highlights.
Michael Smith’s Tweetmail also at CarolinaHurricanes.com also covers the Hurricanes prospects and includes a short interview with Assistant General Manager Mike Vellucci that is worth watching.
Here at Canes and Coffee Cory Fogg updated his top 10 list for Hurricanes prospects play thus far in the OHL and QMJHL playoffs.
The week culminated with Steven Lorentz signing his entry-level deal on Friday. We wrote that up in some detail HERE.
2017 NHL playoffs and the playoff debut for Ron Hainsey
As anticipated when he was traded to the Penguins at the trade deadline, after more than 900 regular season games, Ron Hainsey made his first NHL playoff appearance last week.
Dan Rosen’s article at NHL.com had insight on Hainsey’s long-awaited opportunity before the playoffs started and also included audio for an NHL Network interview with Hainsey.
Ashley Chase from The Tribune-Democrat profiled Ron Hainsey’s goal in Pittsburgh’s game four loss and followed up with an interview mostly focused on the Pens defense that night.
The Charlotte Checkers and the AHL playoffs
With the Hurricanes 2016-17 season over, the Checkers being in the playoffs offers a great opportunity for players to make a case for being considered for an NHL role next fall.
Chip Alexander at the News and Observer chronicled Andrej Nestrasil’s season in an article that concluded on a note that suggested that Nestrasil likely does not think he will be back in the Hurricanes organization when his contract expires in June.
Here at Canes and Coffee Jordan Futrell previewed the Checkers vs. Wolves series that is now tied at one game apiece heading into Sunday’s game in Chicago.
An early look at the 2017 NHL draft
And for those already looking forward to the offseason wheeling and dealing, the 2017 NHL draft is only about two months away.
Matt at CBTS looks forward to the NHL draft and names names in his April mock draft article.
Charles Taylor at Cardiac Canes is also early on the 2017 NHL Draft and offers options for skilled forwards with the Hurricanes first round pick.
Go Canes!
