The Carolina Hurricanes prospects will be participating in the 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase in Florida against prospects from the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The team features 13 draftees, two free agent signings and seven invitees.
Carolina Hurricanes Announce Roster for Southeast Rookie Showcase
The first game will kick off Friday, September 15 and each team will play each other once. A schedule can be viewed here.
On the roster, the Hurricanes have a few guys that fans will want to be sure to take note of. Here's three guys to watch at the 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase.
Felix Unger Sorum
The 2023 second-round pick has started to make a name for himself as the summer has progressed.
The Hurricanes signed Unger Sorum to an ELC immediately following their prospect development camp, and he then went on to showcase his talents at the World Junior Summer Showcase that took place in early August.
The freshly 18-year-old forward (his birthday literally just occurred on September 14) led Team Sweden in scoring with five points in four games, which also tied him for second overall amongst all showcase players.
He’s got great vision and passing ability and despite a smaller frame, he isn’t afraid to go to work in the corners.
On his views of the showcase: I see it as a really big opportunity. I can come here and show my game and how I play hockey and try to challenge the best guys here. It’ll be fun.
On what his goals are for the showcase: I’m here to do my best and show what I can do and take some tips from the coaches and bring that home. Just try to do my best.
On the areas of the game he wants to work on improving: Mostly off ice things. Getting strength and weight so I can get faster, shoot harder and just stuff like that.
Ryan Suzuki
The 2019 first-round pick and younger brother of Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, has not had an easy path since his selection.
Suzuki has been through a lot in regards to injuries. In 2019, Suzuki suffered an eye injury as a result of a high stick that has left a permanent blindspot in his right eye and since then, he’s dealt with a lot of other minor injuries that have hampered his development.
As a result, Suzuki has only been able to appear in 110 AHL games over the span of three seasons and he even missed last year’s training camp and preseason.
He’s always had the talent to be good, but unfortunate circumstances have prevented him from taking those next steps. Maybe this can be the year where he manages to stay healthy and prove he can be an impact player.
On the opportunity to play at the showcase: It’s definitely a good opportunity for me to show what I did this summer. Anytime you come into camp, you’ve gotta be ready and show what you did over the summer.
On it being a big year for him: For sure. It’s the last year of my ELC so I kind of want to prove that I’m ready for the next step this year.
On what he worked on over the summer: Got a little stronger, a little quicker. Tried to get some size. They just wanted to see me get a little stronger on the puck and stuff like that.
Vasily Ponomarev
The 2020 second-round pick is one of a very short list of prospects who actually have a chance to make the Hurricanes’ roster out of training camp.
The Russian center has always had a strong two-way game, something head coach Rod Brind’Amour is keen to, and he also led the AHL’s Chicago Wolves in goals last season with 24 in 64 games.
He was also one of Carolina’s black aces for the playoffs.
A strong showing in the Rookie Showcase could be a springboard into training camp for him and then ultimately into the preseason where he has a chance to compete for the Hurricanes’ 4C role.
On his growth as a player: Last year was maybe one of the most progressed years for me. Guys like Sergei Samsonov and Peter Harrold, they worked with us a lot and they helped me find my game the way I have to play.
On the areas of the game he worked on: More protecting of the puck, more time with the puck and not just dumping it and chasing after it.
On if he feels he's good enough to make the NHL club: I think so, yes. I think I can help this team to raise a Cup.
