SenShot’s NHL Mock Draft Pick #5: Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurrianes are on the clock with the fifth pick, and there are a lot of different directions they could go.  The Hurricanes seem to like their Finns almost as much as the Senators like their Swedes.  However, there are needs for the franchise and although the best player available is often the right way to go, sometimes situational needs outweigh that strategy.

#5 – CAROLINA HURRICANES

April 27, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal (12) warms up on the ice before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM STRENGTHS:  Solid up the middle, grit on the wings, goaltending when healthy

TEAM WEAKNESSES:  Top end defensemen

HOCKEY’S FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PROSPECT RANK:  26th of 30 teams

UNDER CONSIDERATION:  Aleksander Barkov, Darnell Nurse, Sean Monahan, Elias Lindholm, Max Domi

FANSIDED MOCK DRAFT PICK:  Cardiac Cane selected Sean Monahan.

SENSHOT’S CHOICE:  Darnell Nurse from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL.  With many of the top prospects remaining centre ice-men, the Hurricanes obvious need is on the blue line.  With two Staals, Tuomo Ruutu and Riley Nash, they are solid down the middle.  They have only 2 defensemen signed past next season, and Nurse is the guy who will give them size to complement prospect Ryan Murhpy’s speed and skill.  Nurse is a big body, skilled defenseman who can skate and shoot.

MOCK DRAFT TO DATE (click on team to view the selection):