The history of the Carolina Hurricanes is filled with memorable players who have brought excitement and joy to the franchise. From All-Star veterans to young stars, the Hurricanes have had some of the best players in the NHL grace their roster. But who is the best Hurricanes player of all time?
Overview of the Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes were founded in 1971 as the Hartford Whalers, and moved to North Carolina in 1997. Since then, they have made the Stanley Cup playoffs in nine of their 22 seasons, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.
The Hurricanes have had a number of talented players throughout their history, and many of them have become fan favorites. From Hall of Famers to dynamic rookies, the Hurricanes have had some of the best players in the NHL.
Criteria for the Best Hurricanes Player
When it comes to choosing the best Hurricanes player of all time, there are a few criteria that should be taken into consideration. The player should have been an integral part of the Hurricanes’ success, whether it be in terms of goals, assists, or defensive play. They should also have been a leader both on and off the ice, and have had a lasting impact on the franchise.
The Top Five Hurricanes Players of All Time
With that in mind, here are the top five Hurricanes players of all time:
1. Rod Brind’Amour
1. Rod Brind’Amour
Rod Brind’Amour is easily one of the best Hurricanes players of all time. Brind’Amour was drafted by the team in 1988, and went on to become one of the most popular players in franchise history. He played a key role in the Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup win, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. He also served as the team’s captain for nine seasons, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.
2. Eric Staal
Eric Staal is another one of the best Hurricanes players of all time. Staal was drafted by the Hurricanes in 2003, and quickly became a fan favorite. He was one of the team’s top offensive players, and scored the winning goal in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. Staal was named captain of the team in 2010, and was an important part of the team’s success.
3. Jeff Skinner
Jeff Skinner is one of the top Hurricanes players of all time. Skinner was drafted by the team in 2010, and quickly became one of the team’s top offensive weapons. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2011, and scored a team-record 63 goals in the 2016-17 season.
4. Ron Francis
Ron Francis is another one of the best Hurricanes players of all time. Francis was acquired by the team in 1991, and went on to become one of the franchise’s top players. He played a key role in the team’s 2002 Stanley Cup run, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
5. Cam Ward
Cam Ward is the last of the top five Hurricanes players of all time. Ward was drafted by the team in 2002, and was an important part of the team’s 2006 Stanley Cup win. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs MVP, and is one of the most popular players in franchise history.
Conclusion
The Carolina Hurricanes have had a number of talented players throughout their history, and it is difficult to choose the best of the best. However, the five players listed above have all had an impact on the franchise and should be considered the best Hurricanes players of all time.