Information and profiles on each day two pick is below. This page will be updated throughout the day, so check back for each pick.
Round 2, 42nd overall - (C) Eetu Luostarinen
For the third year in a row, the Hurricanes spent a second-round pick on a Finnish center, as Luostarinen joins Janne Kuokkanen and Sebastian Aho. The six-foot-two forward began his pro career last season in his native country’s top league, recording seven points in 32 games with KalPa Kuopio.
As a European-born skater, Luostarinen would be eligible to start next season with the Checkers should he not make the NHL club, but will likely return to Finland to continue his development.
Round 2, 52nd overall - (D) Luke Martin
Ten picks later the Hurricanes spent their second selection of the second round on American defenseman Luke Martin. The St. Louis native is a product of the U.S. Development Team and completed his freshman campaign at the University of Michigan this past season. At six-foot-two, 221 pounds, Martin continues Carolina’s growing trend of stocking up on physically imposing blue liners, with the draft broadcast comparing the 18-year-old to an upgraded Jordie Benn or Kyle Quincey.
Round 3, 67th overall - (C) Morgan Geekie
The Hurricanes kicked off the third round by taking high-flying forward Morgan Geekie. The Manitoba native enjoyed a breakout year with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans this past season, leading the club as an 18-year-old with 35 goals and 90 points in 72 games. Another sizeable forward at six-foot-two, Geekie’s strong output earned him a spot on the WHL’s Second All-Star Team.
Round 3, 73rd overall - (RW) Stelio Mattheos
With their fourth pick in two rounds, the Hurricanes added another skilled forward, selecting Stelio Mattheos from the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. The 18-year-old ranked third on the team in assists and fourth in points this past season, one year after helping lead the Wheat Kings to a WHL title. Mattheos, who was described as a good passer who works hard on both ends and gets into the dirty areas of the ice by the broadcast, has also represented Canada internationally, including being named one of the team’s top three players at last year’s U-18 World Junior Championships.
Round 4, 104th overall - (G) Eetu Makiniemi
The Hurricanes went the goaltending route with their lone fourth-round pick, selecting Finnish netminder Eetu Makiniemi. The 18-year-old measures in at six-foot-two and has spent his time coming up through Jokerit’s development program, where he has yet to make the jump to the pro side.
Round 6, 166th overall - (D) Brendan De Jong
The sixth round saw the Hurricanes go back to the defensemen well, selecting Brendan De Jong. The 19-year-old most recently finished his third WHL season with Portland where he recorded 23 points in 72 games, the fourth-highest total of any Winterhawk blue liner. Standing at a towering six-foot-five, De Jong drew rave reviews from his head coach in Portland, who noted that the blue liner has “a quick stride and reach and can really skate.”
Round 7, 197th overall - (D) Ville Rasanen
With their final pick of the draft the Hurricanes again turned to the nation of Finland, selecting another defenseman in Ville Rasanen. The 18-year-old blue liner has been developing his game in his native country and appears to be slated to begin his pro career next season in the SM-Liiga.
