No team had a more difficult offseason than the Hurricanes, who were victims of their own successes. They had several very good players in need of new contracts and only so much room with which to fit them. Focusing on the forwards, the ‘Canes will move on without Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Stefan Noesen. Adding injury to insult, Jesper Fast will miss all of next season.

The good news? Carolina’s scouting staff has the team prepared for this moment. It’s been a slow boil, but the Hurricanes’ ability to find talent without premium draft picks is about to pay off. There will be some fresh faces battling for the final few roster spots. Among them are Bradly Nadeau, Felix Unger Sorum, and Gleb Trikozov.

The focus here will be on Jackson Blake. The son of former NHLer Jason plays with the type of engine that will endear him to the Hurricanes’ coaching staff. He plays bigger than his 5’11” frame and has no issues fighting through traffic, battling along the walls, and playing through contact. He’s not going to be a high-end offensive player, but Blake, who totaled 60 points in 40 games at North Dakota last season, has enough scoring touch and offensive acumen to add secondary offense.

He should have the inside track to an NHL job, as he’s 21 and has the makeup of a bottom-six winger, but there will be heavy competition in Carolina. Top prospects Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum are younger but highly talented and very close to NHL-ready.