Hurricanes Prospect Positional Rankings: Right Wing
Welcome BACK to the series that will take up some downtime during the summer. 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. We are going to talk about some right wings today, which is always enjoyable because of just how fun it is to figure out which forwards play where.
It’s not entirely complicated to figure that out, but it’s always incredibly fun since EliteProspects doesn’t always have guys in the right spot. But man, there is some decent talent in this group. Led by the most improved player in the system, and the best Wolves forward last year, there is some other very fun and creative right wings.
1. Felix Unger Sorum, Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Last year’s stats: 86 GP, 22 goals, 56 assists, 78 points
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a few more times before the start of the next year, Felix Unger Sorum’s development this year was almost unbelievable. It’s somewhat rare to see a player triple their year over year production in the same league, even rarer when you consider that he did it in the 2nd toughest league in North America. The concerns I had going into this year was his skating and his physicality. Both areas have seen good to significant improvement, mainly in the physicality department. He’s able to handle the physical contact much better and be able to maintain possession or create off the physicality, something he really struggled with in his first year in North America. Again, his ability with the puck on his stick is next level, as he’s able to dictate pace of play.
Outlook for 2026/27: Potentially getting an extended NHL chance at the start of the year, but more than likely another year of being a top line player for the Wolves
Projected NHL ETA: 2026/27
2. Justin Poirier, Maine University (NCAA)
Last year’s stats: 27 GP, 18 goals, 11 assists, 29 points
There was so much intrigue and potential for Poirier going into the year and the early season results really backed the idea of his NHL potential despite the size. He was handling the bigger and older players that physically challenged to decent success and was a big part of the Maine offense. His shot remained unbelievable and he was scoring goals that weren’t just “stand in one place and shoot it.” The skating remains a concern, but the size shouldn’t be. Obviously, there is going to be some concern about coming back from a hip surgery, but I think Poirier will have a big year being a top 6 player on a Penn State roster that has to replace a lot of scoring.
Outlook for 2026/27: A top 6 role, as well as being the primary sniper, for Penn State.
Projected NHL ETA: 2027/28
3. Jayden Perron, Michigan University (NCAA)
Last year’s stats: 40 GP, 18 goals, 23 assists, 41 points
What a year Perron had with Michigan, turning in his healthiest season in college while also being one of the premier offensive talents on a top 5 team in the country. This year’s Perron was the one Canes fans have been wanting to see since he was drafted. The offense was multi-faced, being able to wire shots from a variety of locations, running the top power play as the quarterback, being a solid playmaker, and having the willingness to attack the middle of the ice. The skating has remained decent, and I already know people will still have some reservations about his size, but the skill is undeniable.
Outlook for 2026/27: One last year of college with Michigan being a top line player.
Projected NHL ETA: 2027/28
4a. Fyodor Avramov, HK Sochi (KHL)
Last year’s stats: 56 GP, 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points
Yup, I’m cheating again. But I’m trying to keep myself somewhat measured about the player I’ll talk about next, so he’ll split the honors with “Uncle” Avramov. After yet another year of being the 13th forward for Sochi and getting extremely limited game time, Avramov got a move away to Spartak. Realistically, this gives Avramov the opportunity to play a full season in the VHL, something he’s never had the chance to do. Truthfully it’s the best thing for him, as he just needs game time to realize what he can be, which is a power forward. It’s something the Canes don’t have in the prospect pool besides Ivan Ryabkin, but Avramov clears him in the size department as he’s 6’3 and 207 pounds. He’s also got some really decent skating ability alongside a good shot.
Outlook for 2026/27: A full year of VHL hockey with Khimik.
Projected NHL ETA: 2029/30
4b. Zach Lansard, Regina Pats (WHL)
Last year’s stats: 73 GP, 27 goals, 32 assists, 59 points
When the Canes took Lansard, I was very vocal in saying that I hadn’t heard his name before. Not just for a complete lack of knowledge, but for a “The Canes rarely draft CHL players high” reason. But some tape review and talking to some people later and I’m becoming more and more intrigued about the player Lansard can be. Right now, he’s an advanced forechecker, a pest or hound on defenseman who want to break out of their own zone. He’s able to create turnovers and get the puck off his stick into space rather quickly. This is a player that screams “Rod Brind’Amour prototypical bottom 6 winger” and that’s perfect.
Outlook for 2026/27: A full year with some unreal 2028 talent on the top line for Regina.
Projected NHL ETA: 2028/29
6. Alexander Rykov, Traktor (KHL)
Last year’s stats: 66 GP, 12 goals, 10 assists, 22 points
I’ve been rather bullish on Rykov’s NHL potential over the past few years, because I think he perfectly fits the modern day NHL bottom 6. He’s not the most skillful player but he’s got decent hands and can chip in offensively when given the opportunity. He’s good to great on the forecheck, using his good motor to attack defenders and force turnovers. The defense is also rather nice. Skating is just decent, which might hold him back a little bit, but I still see NHL games in Rykov’s future.
Outlook for 2026/27: Another year of KHL experience, more than likely with the middle or bottom 6 group with Traktor.
Projected NHL ETA: 2028/29
7. Andrei Krutov, Amur (KHL)
Last year’s stats: 56 GP (combined between KHL/VHL/MHL), 7 goals, 10 assists, 17 points
I almost thought about putting Krutov into the center rankings because he played center to close out the year last year and it looks like he’ll get more chances at playing down the middle this year. In the end, he’s played more wing than center as of right now so he’s staying here. Krutov is an interesting case study. The hands are there in bounds, lending to his ability to play center. The shot is rather good, or at the very least pretty decent. I think the defense has taken strides since his draft year into a better place, even though I’d like to see a little more buy in when the puck is in the defensive zone. The skating is a rather large concern. If that can improve, he becomes a much more interesting player and NHL prospect.
Outlook for 2026/27: A full year of KHL hockey with Amur, whether that be at center or on the wing.
Projected NHL ETA: 2030+
8. Michael Emerson, Merrimack (NCAA)
Last year’s stats: 37 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points
Emerson carved out a nice role on a Merrimack team that ended up winning Hockey East last year. That role is a bottom six grinder type player, due to his size and physical ability. The shot is an underrated quality of his and I’m somewhat interested in if he can potentially kill penalties.
Outlook for 2026/27: One final year of college hockey with a sneaky good Merrimack team.
Projected NHL ETA: 2030+