Carolina's Draft Picks From Last Year

How are the Hurricanes picks from last year doing? Are they close or far away from contributing to the big club?

I was asked this question last week, so let's take a look at each selection and check on their progress.

Phillip Di Giuseppe LW (picked 38th overall)

After scoring 11 goals and 15 assists during his freshman year at the University of Michigan, he followed that up last season by scoring nine goals and 19 assists. Since he has not signed with the Canes yet, look for him to return to Michigan again next season and continue to develop.

Brock McGinn LW (picked 47th overall)

McGinn had a very good season for Guelph last year, (68GP 28G 26A) and was signed in April to an entry level deal. He played four games for the Checkers at the end of last year. The winger will be in training camp looking for a position in the fall.

Daniel Altshuller G (picked 69th overall)

This huge goalie, (6'4) improved upon his stats last year in Oshawa. After starting 30 games and going 11-16-3 in his rookie campaign, he started 58 games last season and went 36-18-2, while posting three shutouts. He also improved his save percentage from .900 to .909.

Erik Karlsson LW (picked 99th overall)

In his draft year, Karlsson scored 14 goals and 19 assists in 47 games for Frolunda in the under 20 super elite league. Last season he scored 10 goals and 25 assists in just 40 games for the same team.

Trevor Carrick D (picked 115th overall)

The Mississauga defenseman went from a six goal, 13 assist season in 68 games during his draft year to scoring 10 goals and 21 assists in 12 fewer games last season.

Jacob Slavin D (picked 120th overall)

Slavin posted similar numbers last season as he did during his draft year for the Chicago Steel in the USHL. (62GP 5G 28A 33P). He has committed to Colorado College next season.

Brendan Woods LW (picked 129th overall)

Last season, Woods scored five goals and seven assists in 41 games for the Wisconsin Badgers. The winger surprised his coach when he signed an entry level deal with the Hurricanes in April. He played two games for the Checkers so far and will be looking to make the Canes or will return to Charlotte next season.

Collin Olsen G (picked 159 overall)

Another good sized goalie at 6'3, he played just nine games for Ohio State in his freshman year last season and posted a record of 2-3-1 with a save percentage of .901.

Brendan Collier LW (189th overall)

After an all star high school career, Collier scored 14 goals and 28 assists in 43 games during his first season in the EJHL last season. He has committed to Boston University next season.

(My shot at a mock draft will be posted tomorrow morning)