2019 NHL Draft Day 2: Carolina Hurricanes Draft Updates and Discussion

In case you missed it, last night the Carolina Hurricanes selected center Ryan Suzuki, brother of Nick Suzuki (selected 13th by Vegas in the 2017 draft) and Barrie Colts teammate of Andrei Svechnikov, with the 28th pick in the 2019 NHL draft.

Projected to be drafted earlier in the first round, the Canes probably weren’t expecting a player like Suzuki to be available at 28. A few other players are in the same situation, predicted to be selected in the first round yet still on the board. With two picks early in the second round (36 and 37), the Canes should be able to take advantage if they’re so inclined.

At a minimum, the Hurricanes will do nine things today, whether bringing nine new players into the organization via draft, or wheeling and dealing at the trade table. We’ll be here all afternoon to provide updates and analysis as things kick of at 1 pm on NHL Network.

We’re going to do things a bit differently this draft. Instead of posting each draft selection in a separate article, we’ll update inside this article with each selection, so check and refresh often for all the details. If “we have a trade to announce”, it will be published in a separate article.

Let’s do this hockey.

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Round 1, Pick #28

Hurricanes Select: Ryan Suzuki, C, Barrie Colts

• Yesterday’s news today: Canes Select Suzuki
• OCanes land playmaking center in the First Round [Canes.com]
• Greetings from a former (and soon to be current) teammate

And some advice from a new teammate:

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12:15 pm: WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE. The Canes have acquired Patrick Marleau and a conditional 2020 first round draft pick, and a 2020 seventh round pick from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2020 sixth round draft pick.

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Round 2, Pick #36 (from Sabres)

Hurricanes Select: Pyotr Kochetkov, G, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The Canes took a goalie, like we all assumed they would early on Day Two. Kochetkov becomes the highest-drafted Hurricanes goalie since 2014, when they took Alex Nedeljkovic in almost the exact same spot. Kochetkov has been draft eligible the past two years, but significant improved his stock at this year’s World Juniors, where he backstopped Russia to the bronze medal while earning the tournament’s top goaltender honor.

Kochetkov spent two years with HC Sochi of the KHL, and was just traded to St. Petersburg last month. He will compete for playing time to back up incumbent starter Magnus Hellberg and could again end up in the VHL, Russia’s top minor league, where he spent the majority of the past two seasons.

Scouting Report

Kochetkov was the second rated goaltender behind Spencer Knight and the number one rated European netminder. He has prototypical size for an NHL goaltender at 6’3” and moves very well for his size. With polished technique and positioning, athleticism and size, Kochetkov is certainly on pace to be a future NHL starter. He performed well on the international stage being named the top goaltender in the World Junior Championships carrying Russia to a bronze medal. This season he will play for St. Petersburg in the KHL and as a 19-year-old already, may be closer to being NHL ready than many of the other draft eligible players of his position in this draft. -Kevin LeBlanc

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Round 2, Pick #37 (from Rangers)

Hurricanes Trade Pick #37 to Ottawa for Picks #44 and #83

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Round 2, Pick #44 (from Senators)

Hurricanes Select: Jamieson Rees, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Scouting Report

Rees is a player who will fit Carolina’s system perfectly. He’s a high-intensity, pace pushing player who can play in all situations. Pretty much everything the center does is at full speed, and his skating and strength are his best assets. Likely more of a playmaker then a finisher, but there is still room for his offensive arsenal to grow. He will be a nightmare as a forechecker at the next level, and should turn into a dangerous penalty killer as he develops. Expect a big points boost in 2019-20 for Sarnia and a breakout in his post draft season. -Kevin LeBlanc

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Round 2, Pick #59

Hurricanes Trade Pick #59 to Wild for Picks #73 and #99

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Round 3, Pick #73 (from Wild)

Hurricanes Select: Patrik Puistola, LW, Tappara (Liiga)

Scouting Report

Puistola’s hands are certainly among the best in the draft and he possesses a high-level shot which is dangerous from multiple areas of the offensive zone. He drives play on the rush, making life difficult on defenders because of his stickhandling ability, net drive and playmaking creativity.

He’s going to be a power-play weapon for whatever team drafts him down the road. His skating can at times be a bit choppy, and will need to improve in terms of consistency as he develops.

Kevin’s full profile on Puistola is available here.

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Round 3, Pick #83 (from Senators)

Hurricanes Select: Anttoni Honka, D, JYP (Liiga)

Anttoni Honka is a 5’10”, 180 lb., right-handed defenseman currently playing in the Finnish Liiga. He is the brother of Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka. Honka is lauded for his offense, stickhandling, and ability to move the puck but his physicality and decision making in his own zone makes him a high-risk, high-reward option.

Scouting Report

Honka could end up being a steal in the late third round. He’s a true offensive defenseman, who thrives on the breakout. As a power play threat he is adept at pacing the play and setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities from the point. He defers to passing, over shooting in most occasions and fits the playmaker role well. Still needs some work defensively in knowing when to pick his spots and take risks. His brother, Julius was selected in the first round by Dallas in 2014. -Kevin LeBlanc

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Round 3, Pick #90

Hurricanes Select: Domenick Fensore, D, USNTDP

Domenick Fensore is touted as an undersized but talented offensive defenseman with speed and puck skill. He will suit up for Boston University in 2019-20.

Scouting Report

Fensore plays a similar style to Honka, as a offensive blueliner. He is good on the rush, and a strong passer both in the offensive zone and on the breakout. The New York native put up a point-per-game with the USNTDP in 2018-19 and will be heading to Boston University in the fall. His size is obviously something to watch to see if it holds him back as he continues to college and eventually to the professional level. -Kevin LeBlanc

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Round 3, Pick #99 (from Wild)

Hurricanes Select: Cade Webber, D, Penticton Vees (BCHL)

Scouting Report

Webber is a huge two-way defenseman with room to add to his frame. He’s a long term developmental prospect who will play next season in the BCHL before heading to Boston University in 20-21. -Kevin LeBlanc

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Round 4, Pick #121

Hurricanes Select: Tuukka Tieksola, RW, Karpat U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

Scouting Report

Tieksola has been arguably the best or second-best player on the Kärpät U20 team as an undersized 17-year-old, and he’s been one of the best U18 players in the entire Jr. A SM-liiga – and this is his first year at that level. He needs to add a lot of muscle to his frame before playing in the NHL. But he owns great offensive tools which give him high upside. Tieksola needs multiple years of development before playing in the NHL but if you want offensive upside after the first couple of rounds of the 2019 NHL Draft, he’s one to keep an eye on. -Jokke Nevalainen, Dobber Prospects

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Round 5, Pick #152

Hurricanes Select: Kirill Slepets, RW, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

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Round 6, Pick #181 (from Flames)

Hurricanes Select: Kevin Wall, F, Penn State (NCAA)

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Round 6, Pick #183

Hurricanes Select: Blake Murray, C, Sudbury (OHL)

Scouting Report

Upside is the name of the game for Murray, who doesn’t turn 18 until next month. He has good size at 6’3” and the ability to put more weight on his frame. A two-way center who will have the opportunity to play and grow in all situations next year in Sudbury. -Kevin LeBlanc

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Round 7, Pick #216

Hurricanes Select: Massimo Rizzo, Penticton Vees (BCHL)

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5:30 pm: The Hurricanes entered the 2019 Draft with 10 picks, and ended up coming home with 12 players plus a veteran forward plus a 2020 first rounder. And with that, we put a wrap on the draft, folks. Thanks for following along!

7:00 pm: Postscript, following tweet is a link to audio and video from Canes management and drafted players: