Hurricanes 32 in 32: [Season preview | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown]
1. Can Andrei Svechnikov reach new heights?
Svechnikov, the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, has shown glimpses of an elite game during his four NHL seasons. He scored 30 goals in the NHL for the first time last season and had 29 assists in 78 games, playing with a combination of skill and strength.
The 22-year-old forward can help the Hurricanes reach another level with more scoring at 5-on-5. Svechnikov's nine power-play goals and seven empty-net goals (tied with Connor McDavid for second-most in the NHL behind Alex Ovechkin's nine last season) were 53 percent of his scoring, so more offensive production could take Carolina to another level.
"Can he be better? Of course. He knows it," Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "We need him to be better, plain and simple. His willingness to get better is the key. He's willing to get better and he puts in the work, so that's why I think he's going to continue to get better."
2, Can Martin Necas earn a role in the top six?
The No. 12 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft had 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) in 78 games last season, landing on the fourth line throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, after he had 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 53 games in 2020-21.
"For me personally, it was a step back from," Necas said. "I've got to produce way more. That's what everyone kind of expects from me. It was disappointing for me."
The 23-year-old forward plays with elite speed and playmaking ability, and if he can use his size (6-foot-2, 189 pounds) to get to the net front, he will solidify a place in the top six.
