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Carolina Hurricanes: Top 10 prospects entering 2019

By Dave Stevenson

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 30: Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas (88) scores a goal from the left wing circle during a preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on September 30, 2018. Nashville defeated Carolina 5 - 4 in OT. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 30: Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas (88) scores a goal from the left wing circle during a preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on September 30, 2018. Nashville defeated Carolina 5 - 4 in OT. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Julien Gauthier (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Julien Gauthier

Acquired: 2016 NHL Draft (first-round pick)

Age: 21 (turns 22 in October)

Position: Right Wing

Stats: 75 games, 27 goals, 14 assists, 41 points, 17 postseason games, 5 goals, 3 assists, 8 points (Charlotte Checkers, AHL)

Some players have a sophomore slump. Well, Julien Gauthier had a sophomore success. After an underwhelming rookie season in the AHL, Gauthier jumped from 25 points to 41 points. The biggest difference in his game was that he learned how to use his unique skill set and size.

I still have questions about his hockey IQ and his shooting percentage was a bit high. Gauthier is someone I was wrong about, and I have no shame in admitting that. While I still don’t think he’ll ever be an impact player, I could see Gauthier being a serviceable third-line forward. But I could also see him being a guy who goes from the AHL to the NHL and back a bunch of times.

7. Patrik Puistola

Acquired: 2019 NHL Draft (third-round pick)

Age: 18

Position: Left Wing/Right Wing

Stats: 22 games, 15 goals, 11 assists, 26 points, 8 postseason games, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points (LeKi, Mestis); 25 games, 11 goals, 11 assists, 22 points (Tappara U20, Jr. A SM-Liiga); 16 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point (Tappara, Liiga)

Patrik Puistola might have the highest ceiling of anyone in the Hurricanes system. He could be a great scoring forward. There’s just one problem – a scoring role is about the only one I can see Puistola fitting in. His two-way play is nothing to write home about and at just 165 pounds, I don’t see him being a physical guy.

Puistola is an impressive goal scorer, so he’s got that going for him. I love his hockey IQ as well, he processes the game quickly and effectively. Puistola’s ceiling is a top-line scoring forward, but his floor is very low. Next year should be very telling for him, as he’ll most likely make the jump to Liiga full-time.

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