After taking Keegan Lowe in the third round, the Hurricanes again dipped into hockey lore in the seventh round, choosing Brody Sutter, son of Duane Sutter, out of Lethbridge in the WHL. Sutter, a 19-year-old forward, went undrafted last season and was 142nd-ranked North American skater by Central Scouting in this year's draft.
Though unranked by International Scouting Services this year, Sutter, who measures 6'4, 200 pounds, was described as having typical Sutter family characteristics in ISS's 2010 draft guide. ISS credited him as having good size while being both physical and mobile, plus good on the forecheck. And, of course, good leadership qualities.
Sutter had 18 goals and 24 assists in 72 games for Lethbridge in 2010-11, nearly tripling his output from the previous season while improving his plus/minus from minus-30 to plus-1.
"We do think he has a chance to turn pro and play in Charlotte this year," GM Jim Rutherford said of Sutter.