I am in the process of posting a 2-part blog on “What I’m watching” early in training camp. Part 1 covers the forwards in detail and can be found HERE. Part 2 which will be posted Friday will cover the defensemen and goalies.
Below is a bite size preview that boils it all down to 5 names and short comments.
Ryan Murphy: I think the time is now for him in a Canes uniform if he is going to seize a slot long-term.
Derek Ryan: I think the Canes could use 1 more pure playmaker in the lineup, so I will be watching him closely to see if he seems capable of making a fast NHL transition.
Haydn Fleury: We really will not know anything for sure until we at least get to see him in competition in scrimmages and preseason games, but the early clues are that he has made significant strides. Could he be ready?
Zach Boychuk: He should have a leg up on most of his competition in terms of experience and expectations. The big question for me is if he can bring the offense from Charlotte this visit to Raleigh.
Noah Hanifin: As highly as he is rated for the future, it is hard to guess where he is right now and how long it will take to reach his potential. The range is anywhere from Aaron Ekblad to ‘it could take 2-3 years.’ Scrimmages and preseason games provide the first glimpse of where he is right now.
The 1st practice starts at 8:45am!
Go Canes!
