Originally considered a near-guaranteed top-four selection, Noah Hanifin has gradually become a possibility for the Carolina Hurricanes at No. 5.
Hanifin, a 6'2" defenseman from Boston College, stands out as the consensus best player at his position in the 2015 NHL draft. He's a power-play quarterback with size, a puck-moving rearguard with god-like hockey sense.
But Mitchell Marner's ascension into top-four conversation—both the Coyotes at No. 3 and the Maple Leafs at No. 4 could give him strong consideration—could serve to bump Hanifin down into Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis' clutches.
The past year, moreover, has certainly proved that Francis plans to build a defensive identity for the 'Canes moving forward. But is Hanifin's impressive upside good enough to justify again ignoring a diverse range of elite prospect forwards?
Note: This prospect evaluation from a 'Canes perspective is the fourth in a series on potential selections. Read about the pros and cons of Marner, of Lawson Crouse and of Mikko Rantanen in previous installments.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
Pros and Cons of Noah Hanifin as Possible Carolina Hurricanes Draft Pick
May 26th, 2015 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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