They said it: Hurricanes draft picks on selection day

Throughout day two of the 2021 NHL Draft, we’ll get a chance to speak with several of the Hurricanes’ picks via Zoom. We’ll post notable quotes from them here, so be sure to keep checking back to this piece throughout the day.

Scott Morrow, No. 40, second round

With their first pick of the day, the Hurricanes selected Scott Morrow, a defenseman from Shattuck St. Mary’s.

Here’s some highlights of his interview:

On his style of play: I think it all starts with me being a good skater. But I think I’m a 200-foot player, and I play to win. I think that’s what I’ll bring to the Carolina Hurricanes.

On how much contact he had with the Hurricanes and how many draft hats he had: I’m actually in Plymouth, Michigan for the USA Hockey Summer Showcase right now, so they kind of had hats for everybody. There’s a bunch of draft eligible guys here. I actually only spoke with Carolina once prior to the draft. I didn’t necessarily think that it was a possibility, but it’s clear to me from what they said to me afterwards that they were eyeing me, and obviously they took me. I’m just pumped that I’m a Carolina Hurricane. I can’t believe it.

On what excites him about being drafted by the Hurricanes: I think first of all, it starts with the culture they have there, which starts with coach [Rod Brind’Amour]. He’s one of the most highly looked upon coaches in the NHL. From what I’ve seen, every single player loves to play for him. They’ve been tremendous at developing defensemen to play there. So I think that the development I’ll receive from the staff, and once I get there, from the coaching staff. That’ll be super valuable to me. I think based on their track record, they’ve kind of got it figured out in terms of how to develop defensemen. On top of those things, they’ve got some crazy fans down there, as everyone got to see before COVID, especially during the playoffs. So I’m really excited.

Jackson Blake

With the 109th overall pick in the fourth round, the Hurricanes took Jackson Blake, the son of former NHL veteran Jason Blake, who played 13 seasons with the Kings, Islanders, Maple Leafs and Ducks. Here’s a full breakdown of everything he had to say:

On if his Dad told him anything about the Hurricanes: This moment’s crazy. It hasn’t really even kicked in yet that I’ve been drafted to such a great organization with such a great group and a good couple seasons they’re putting together the past couple years. My Dad’s definitely told me about the Hurricanes and he actually didn’t get to get drafted when it was his year. I’m at a loss for words right now, its crazy. He said that Rod Brind’Amour is one of the greatest coaches he’s seen and he wishes he got to lace them up for him.

On what the day has been like for him: It was definitely stressful, for sure. Just to see all these kids get drafted and you wonder if you’re going to go anytime soon, and have no clue if you’re going to go. So it was a hard time sleeping last night, for sure, waiting.

On his game: I feel like I’m one of the smaller guys, but I feel like I play like I’m just a regular, 6-1 guy. I feel like I see the ice just as well as anyone if not better. I feel like I’m pretty skilled, I love to compete and I love to put the puck in the back of the net.