Gold: Hurricanes interim report card

By Adam Gold radio host 99.9 the Fan

Well, now that we have another lengthy break from the rigors of pro hockey it will give us time to assess what we’ve seen in the 2021 portion of the schedule. I present to you, for the first time ever, a Hurricanes report card. This has never been done in sportswriting.

Editors note: It has been done in sportswriting. In fact, it's done a lot.

Sebastian Aho, A+ (28 games, 15 goals, 19 assists, +12, 19:26 TOI, 55% FO). Not sure what more Aho could do. He leads the team in almost every conceivable statistical category. He’s winning 55% of his face offs. And, even in those games where he doesn’t score (3-5-1 in those games), he’s had plenty of scoring chances. Aho is also one of the best on the penalty kill. While shorthanded, he's been on the ice for 5 goals, 2 for and 3 against!

I said it at the time, while $8.45 million might seem like a team friendly contract, the biggest crime in Montreal’s offer sheet was that it was just 5 years in length. Had the Canes done this correctly, it would have been 8 x $8 million and we’d be five years – instead of two – away from an extension. He’s likely the best player not named Rod Brind’Amour to ever wear a Canes sweater.

Jaccob Slavin, A+ (31 games, 1 goal, 17 assists, +9, 23:58 TOI). You could just about copy and paste any adjectives used for Aho and apply them to Slavin. He’s probably the best defensive defenseman in the entire league. He’s upped his physicality this year as well. The only thing keeping him from bona fide Norris candidacy is that he’s got just one goal. But, c’mon!

Frederik Andersen, A (17-5-0, 1.91 GAA, .929 SV%, 4 assists!). Tied with Aho for the team lead in point shares (4.5), a measurement of what his performance has meant in terms of points earned. He’s 6th in the NHL in Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA) and has allowed 15 fewer goals than expected (xG - GA) according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

Tony DeAngelo, A (24 games, 5 goals, 17 assists, 7 power play assists, +11). What can you say, Tony’s got 22 points in 24 games. His defense has been more than adequate, it’s actually been good. He’s super competitive, a good teammate and he gave the Hurricanes their first Gordie Howe hat trick since Scott Walker.

Jesper Fast, A- (31 games, 7 goals, 5 assists, +4). The numbers have never told the story for Fast. His career best is 33 points with the Rangers in 2018. But, he’s as reliable as anyone on the roster and is effective in all situations. Best $2 million player in the NHL.

Teuvo Teravainen, B+ (31 games, 9 goals, 16 assists, +12, 18:34 TOI). There was a little bit of a slow start and then he was reunited with sauna buddy Sebastian Aho and the magic returned. Other than the few games in which Aho was out of the line up due to Covid, Turbo’s last 12 points were all either assists on Aho goals or his own markers with help from his best friend.

Brett Pesce, B+ (19 games, 2 goals, 8 assists, +5, 21:26 TOI). There was a concussion, then Covid, and as a result Brett has missed a dozen games. Make no mistake, Pesce is still a rock, among the most reliable players on the team, but I’m not sure he’s been in the same rhythm like his pal, Slavin.

Brady Skjei, B+ (31 games, 3 goals, 6 assists, +12, 20:16 TOI). Solid. Durable. Reliable. Handsome. Gets a ton of chances to score. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a little uptick of offense from him in the 2022 portion of the calendar.

Andrei Svechnikov, B (28 games, 10 goals, 14 assists, +11, 17:13 TOI). A few weeks ago this grade would have been lower because of his seemingly nightly time in detention. But, he just had a 9-game punishment free stretch end with the post-whistle infraction in Columbus and while the goals haven’t been pouring in, his play has been very, very good. It’s coming for Andrei.

Vincent Trocheck, B (31 games, 7 goals, 14 assists, +8, 55.7% FO, 59 hits). Until a late-season scoring drought last year, Trocheck was a point-per-game performer. This year, his numbers haven’t been as gaudy – maybe he just hasn’t had the same crazy puck luck – but he’s been every bit as good. Went through a rough stretch a few weeks back, but has hit a stride playing with Svechnikov. Critically important in all phases.

Nino Niederreiter, B (25 games, 10 goals, 7 assists, +10). Nino’s first fistful of games was spectacular – without even considering offensive production. With Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast, they were playing at an incredibly high level defensively. Nino looked quicker than he’d been since coming over from Minnesota. Then came the lower body injury, some time off, and a reverting to the mean upon return. But, the big goals have returned and those matter, a lot.

Antti Raanta, B (5-2-1, 2.35 GAA, .908 SV%). The numbers are not gaudy as Antti is starting about 1 out of every 3.3 games. But, boy has he been there as a safety net. When both he and Freddie Andersen were feeling ill, he sucked it up and played – well.

Martin Necas, B- (25 games, 7 goals, 12 assists +6, 4 GWG). There are times when Necas leaves you breathless. Just ask the Los Angeles Kings. But, there have been too many turnovers and too many quiet offensive nights. Biggest improvement has been as a penalty killer where he’s becoming excellent.

Jordan Staal, B- (29 games, 2 goals, 6 assists, 17:18 TOI, 81 hits, 58% FO). Yup. No goals in 22 games. Just three assists in that period as well and we’ve gone two whole months since he’s scored. Yet, he’s still impacting the game on the positive side. Still winning 58% of his face offs. Still the top dog on one of the league’s best penalty kill units.

Seth Jarvis, B- (22 games, 5 goals, 9 assists, +6). He’ll turn 20 next month, so don’t buy him a bottle of anything other than Gatorade. Scored some huge goals early including back to back game-winners to start a west coast road trip. Hit the inevitable rough patch starting with the game against Washington, but looks like he’s come out on the other side. Jarvis' contribution is like finding $20 in the pocket of a shirt you haven’t worn in 2 years..

Derek Stepan, B- (24 games, 3 goals, 4 assists, +4, 53.9% FO). A pro’s pro. The Hurricanes are 20-3-1 with Stepan in the line up. He doesn’t deserve to come out ever, but when Jordan Martinook comes back – possibly Friday – the bet is that he’ll come out for a few games.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C+ (31 games, 7 goals, 8 assists, 51.5% FO, 40 hits). The first part of the season was a fight for Jesperi on the wing. Then they threw him at center at the start of the first western roadie and the light bulb came on. Has 12 points in his last 16 games and 7 (1g, 6a) in his last 5. Physical player that should be a big part of Carolina’s future.

Ian Cole, C+ (29 games, 1 goal, 4 assists, +6, 38 blocked shots, 45 hits). Just a third pair, left shot defenseman. Accept that when you needed him to be more than that, he was. Elevated his game when Pesce and DeAngelo were riding stationary bicycles in their dens. Huge part of the penalty kill. Second on the team in shorthanded time on ice and has been present for just two power play goals.

Steven Lorentz, C (27 games, 5 goals). Smart player that understands his role and has the best disposition in the league. Very good forechecking, especially in the offensive corners.

Jordan Martinook, C (22 games, 1 goal, 5 assists). Has missed 9 games this year and hasn’t scored since he put the Canes up to stay over the Islanders on opening night. Need healthy version of him in May if they want to play in June.

Ethan Bear, C- (24 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, +8). Maybe the go-ahead goal on New Year’s Day will be the thing that gets him going again. Bear began the year playing with Slavin on the top pair, but has settled in as Cole’s partner in a 5-6 role. Hasn’t been quite the same since he was sidelined by Covid and had to spend 10 days in a San Jose hotel room. That hit on Brad Marchand, though…

Brendan Smith, C- (18 games, 2 goals, 1 assist, +4, 26 hits). A solid, veteran who can step in when needed. Can’t understate the importance of NHL depth on the blue line. Also, he was ready for this pass from Tony DeAngelo.

Rod Brind’Amour, A+ (23-7-1). Is there anything higher? He is the culture of the Hurricanes. Honest, holds players accountable without needless benching or punishment skating like they did back in the old days. One of the elite minds in the game just needs some hardware to put him in THAT class.

Front office, A+. Remember these are interim grades. I think there is still work to be done to put this team into prime Stanley Cup favorite position. But, from the Kotkaniemi offer sheet, to the additions of Andersen, Cole, Stepan and all of the organizational depth that will pay dividends from Game 83 and beyond, the Tom Dundon/Don Waddell/Eric Tulsky/Darren Yorke crew has crushed it since the end of last season.