The Carolina Hurricanes' selection of Noah Hanifin with the No. 5 pick solidifies their cast of defensive prospects as one of the best in the NHL.
Hanifin joins Haydn Fleury and Ryan Murphy as former top 12 overall selections developing in the Carolina system.
Three players picked in the third or fourth round of their respective drafts—Trevor Carrick, Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin—have increased their prospect stocks in recent years and also carry significant upside within the organization.
With Justin Faulk, only 23, established as a world-class NHL defenseman, stabilizing veteran Ron Hainsey sitting on two more years left on his contract and longtime AHL stalwarts Michal Jordan and Danny Biega quietly working their way into the NHL fold, Carolina is prepared for highly competitive training camps and a highly talented back end a few years down the road.