Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Right Wing

Week 3!

Welcome to week 3 of this series where I will go through the Carolina Hurricanes prospect farm, pick out a position group, and update everyone on these players. These updates will consist of how they played this past season, what strengths and weaknesses are in their game, and a projected (if there is one) NHL timeline. These lists will also be a ranking of the position as well, with players listed higher being the guys closer to the NHL and with more potential. This week we will be looking at the right wingers.

One of the larger groups in the system, with 8 total players, the right side of the ice has some solid players. I would argue that there are a solid 5 players who can see NHL time in the future and then 3 players I am at least intrigued by. The top 3 I have high hopes for, and for good reason.

Real quick before we start going over these players, I’ve noticed a trend amongst most of these Canes prospects and it’s that they have very developed hockey IQ’s and a great sense of what is going on at all times on the ice. The Canes have a knack for finding these players and they continuously turn out to be some of the best players in their system. You’ll get a better sense of this when reading these write-ups, which have one repetitive quality amongst 95 percent of them

Alright, back to prospect talk!

1. Felix Unger Sorum

When we talk about the most skillful players in the Hurricanes system, Unger Sorum is within the top 2. When we talk about the player with the biggest jump in development since his draft year, Unger Sorum is top 2. When we talk about the youngest players within the Canes system, Unger Sorum is that (he won’t turn 19 until September!).

Felix Unger Sorum took a draft year where he was a 1+ PPG player in the J20 Nationell league and got drafted in the second round by the Canes. In his next year, at just 18 years old, he played a full year with Leksands at the SHL level and was very good, putting up 4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 41 games. Unger Sorum’s .43 PPG would have him tied for U19 scoring with David Edstrom, a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, and just behind Axel Sandin-Pellikka, another first-round pick from the 2023 draft. Unger Sorum would also go to the World Junior Championship with Sweden, putting up a goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 7 games while being regarded as one of the better players for Sweden, as well as their best line. He would also go to the World Championships with Sweden but was largely with the team for experience. He did get into two games and became the 5th youngest player to debut for the Swedish national team.

When talking about Unger Sorum’s strengths, it’s hard to understate just how good a passer he is. He can consistently make the tough pass look effortless, his cross-ice passes look easy and slick (which was shown during some friendlies before the World Championships, where Sweden let him quarterback a power play), and he is the king of timing. If the puck is on his stick, he is dictating the speed of play, which only a handful of players can do at a high level. This is largely in part due to his hockey IQ, which jumps off the charts when watching the young man play. When talking about his shot, to quote his J20 coach, “is good but he could use it more.” Everything about his playmaking screams NHL player and even a high-end one at that.

Now, that whole dictating pace thing does come back to bite him sometimes. He can be too passive at times with his pace which has led to turnovers and goals against from time to time. As well, Unger Sorum is not the most physically imposing player ever, standing at a huge 5’11, 172 pounds, which has led him to get bullied a time or two (looking at you, gnarly hit he took from Rutger McGroarty during the World Juniors). Lastly, he’s known for sending a “suicide pass” from time to time, which can lead to bad things.

In conclusion, Felix Unger Sorum has all the makings of an NHL player, and a very good one at that. If the Canes ever went to a 5 forward power play, he could easily quarterback it. His passing makes me believe that a 60+ point player is there, honestly reminds me of those high-end passers in the NHL already like Mitch Marner. He needs to fill out more physically and maybe up his foot speed but don’t misread me, Felix Unger Sorum will be a top 6 NHL player. Now, whether that be in 2024 or 2025 remains to be seen.

NHL Timeline: Either 2024 or 2025

2. Jackson Blake

A player who already made his NHL, Blake is NHL-ready by almost every mark. The Hobey Baker finalist was stellar in his Sophomore season for the University of North Dakota, scoring 22 goals and adding 38 assists for 60 points in just 40 games. He would end his UND career as one of the better players in the last 10 years for the Fighting Hawks and the NCHC Player of the Year. Blake would sign his ELC with the Hurricanes on April 10th and then would make his NHL debut on April 16th, where he played a solid game.

What is not to like about Jackson Blake? His offensive skill speaks for itself, with his playmaking being the outstanding factor in his game. Blake uses his skating to separate himself from defenders and has that passing ability to just open up the game for himself and his teammates. His shot is nothing to scoff at either, scoring 38 goals in 2 years at UND. Blake’s offensive skill led him to great heights at North Dakota, tying the school record for points in a year with 60 and setting the NCHC record for most points in conference play, beating out Brock Boeser’s season at UND from 2015-2016 and Bobby Brink’s season at Denver in 2021-2022.

(This is a Joe Pavelski/Sidney Crosby/Chris Kreider level of tip)

One of the drawbacks with Blake’s game currently is his defensive game. While it did improve in his sophomore year, there is still room for it to grow. As well, sometimes his decision-making can get the best of him, trying to do way too much with the puck on his stick. A year in the weight room to grow from 172 pounds wouldn’t hurt Blake either.

Overall, Jackson Blake has all the making of a perfect middle-six winger. His offensive skill, on both the power play and at even strength, makes him valuable and if he can continue to grow defensively and play some PK minutes down the line, even better. When talking about his NHL timeline, seeing as he had his NHL debut this past year, I think Blake could make the Hurricanes out of camp. That entry-level contract will also help his case. If not, the Chicago Wolves would absolutely love to have him and help him continue to grow his game.

NHL Timeline: 2024 or 2025

3. Alexander Rykov

When a player falls due to injury or size, but especially if they are Russian, the Canes will capitalize whenever they can and Rykov seems like a perfect example of that. He did play a ton in the back half of his draft year due to injury but that didn’t slow him going into next year. Spending most of the year with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, Rykov would have 6 goals and 2 assists for 8 points in 31 games. He would also spend some time with the VHL/MHL teams, putting up 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points in 30 games.

One of the youngest players out of the Canes Prospects (turns 19 in July), Rykov’s skating dazzles. His edge work is spectacular to see and his speed sets him apart from other players at his age and even some players older and more experienced than him. His hockey IQ is also something to note, always knowing when a teammate is nearby and just the right way to get the puck to him. Rykov’s defensive game is also ahead of the pack, with that hockey IQ paying dividends in helping him keep pucks away from the middle. He also turned into a pure sniper when he joined the KHL apparently (a JOKE), but it’s incredibly interesting that he had 6 of his 8 points at the KHL level were goals.

Something that Rykov could work on going forward is getting stronger, as once again he’s a smaller player who has insane skill that could use to add a few pounds to help him not get bullied off the puck. Also if he wants to start shooting more to develop that shot to keep rounding out his game, that would be really neat.

Overall, Rykov is an extremely well-rounded player who has a legit NHL future as a middle-six winger. His skating should carry him to new heights and just maturing as a player will pay off going forward. Rykov is under contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk until the end of the 2024-2025 season and I will be closely watching Rykov’s development at the KHL level next season.

NHL Timeline: 2025+

4. Stanislav Yarovoy

As my first full year covering the Canes prospects rolled on, I hadn’t noticed just how ruthless the Russian Hockey system was. That was until I saw what happened with Yarovoy over the past season. He played 45 games at the KHL level the year prior but only stuck around for 36 games this year, posting 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in that time. This was due to a whole mix of things, whether that be Vityaz being bad, rumors of coaching problems, and rumors of him terminating his contract to come to North America, Yarovoy went through the wringer. Playing 10 games in the VHL, 11 games in the MHL, and even 14 games in the NMHL, Yarovoy went through every single rank in Russian professional hockey in one year. He did make the most of his time though, gathering 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in those 35 games and also winning the NMHL championship with Yunison-Moscow.

It’s safe to assume that Yarovoy has a very solid grasp of the professional game, seeing that he has already played 81 KHL games before he is allowed to drink a beer in the United States. He’s a pure 200-foot player, responsible in all facets of his game and his skill has flashes of pure brilliance, shown in the video below. Yarovoy played on the power play at times, the penalty kill at times and was good for 15-17 minutes a night before his playing time fell off for reasons unknown to us. He’s solid in most areas of the game, which is valuable to teams everywhere.

The issue is his consistency with his skill, which can be super weird to determine. Yarovoy has basically dominated the MHL and the NMHL (when he’s been given adequate ice time) but has plateaued point-wise in both the VHL and KHL. His game is better than the competition at the junior level but not better than most at the senior level, which can hinder a player’s development.

Overall, Stanislav Yarovoy is intriguing. His overall game can translate well to a bottom-six forechecking player who has value on the penalty kill when needed. But he may never be a player that hits 40 points a game, which might disappoint some. Yarovoy signed a two-year extension with Vityaz in 2023, so his contract will run out at the end of the 2024-2025 season despite rumors of coming to North America early.

NHL Timeline: 2026+

5. Jayden Perron

One of my personal favorite players to watch, Jayden Perron is the epitome of the “small, skillful player” trope that the Canes have started to take more and more. Playing at the University of North Dakota with Jackson Blake, Perron had an up-and-down freshman season, putting up 11 goals and 7 assists for 18 points in 39 games. Perron played all over the lineup for UND, on both the left and right side and every single line, but could never really stick to just one line.

(2 videos because I was going to find a goal and this was just sick)

I’ll try and keep the strength section short and sweet because if I don’t, I might go on for a while. Perron has every bit of playmaking that you see in a top 6 NHL winger, even a top-line player. When the puck is on his stick, he moves that thing like it’s attached to a string and it just won’t be taken away (really trying not to recreate the “He can stickhandle in a phone booth” bit but Perron just has the skill). His hockey sense and passing ability are also above average, using his IQ on both ends of the ice and having that passing ability that surprises defenders. His shooting is also pretty solid, shown by having 4 more goals than assists in his freshman year at UND. Perron is a player who thrives in transition, especially when he is the one driving that rush.

(Like cmon, even his chance that was blocked was a grade-A that he created out of nothing)

There is one rather unfortunate weakness for Perron, being that genetics were not the kindest to him. He stands at just 5’9 and 170 pounds soaking wet and while there are a good few NHL players at that size, it’s still harder for players like that to break into the league and stick. Perron’s skating is also slightly lacking behind the rest of his offensive ability, as he doesn’t have the speed to break away from opposing players.

Overall, Jayden Perron is an incredibly divisive player. A lot of people will point to the fact that he’s a smaller player and that he doesn’t stand a chance in the NHL. There are also a good amount of people who adore his skill and see a top 6, dynamo playmaking winger. I love Perron’s game but I also have to be somewhat realistic in my expectations for him. Another season of development at UND should do wonders for him and I am excited to see what he does in his sophomore year in a more elevated role for the Fighting Hawks.

NHL Timeline: 2026+

The Interesting 3

These three don’t warrant a full write-up but are notable and interesting enough to talk about since they are Canes Prospects.

Tuukka Tieksola - Tieksola took a nice step forward in development last year with the Chicago Wolves, so it was disappointing to see him head back to the Finnish Liiga after the whole AHL debacle. Tieksola played 65 games in total across the regular season, playoffs, and the Champions Hockey League (GOOD). Tieksola had 5 goals and 20 assists for 25 points in those games, just a 1-point increase from his debut season with the Wolves (NOT GOOD). Tieksola already signed a contract with Liiga club JYP, so I don’t expect him to be in North America this year (he is also an RFA, so there’s a chance he doesn’t get re-signed).

Noel Gunler - A player I had some hope would get good game time for a good team in Finland while the Canes didn’t have an AHL affiliate, Gunler unfortunately just didn’t play. Appearing in just 24 games for Karpat, Gunler had 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. Gunler is under contract for next year and should be back playing for the Chicago Wolves next season.

Michael Emerson - The third player in the “Chicago Steel to the University of North Dakota” pipeline for the Canes, Emerson probably had the unluckiest season of his teammates, only playing in 6 games for the Fighting Hawks before deciding to enter the Transfer Portal. Emerson would also head back to the Steel, where he would have 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points in 30 games. His shot is his biggest asset, whether that be a straight wrister or a one-timer, Emerson is a dangerous shooter. He has committed to Merrimack for the upcoming NCAA season.