The Carolina Hurricanes had a painful playoff exit last season at the hands of Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers. But after some significant turnover in their roster, the Carolina Hurricanes look poised to make another deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
But to make that happen, the Canes will need some disappointing players to turn the ship around and become the impactful players they once were.
So, here’s a look at three Carolina Hurricanes players who are prime bounce-back candidates in 2024-25.
3 Carolina Hurricanes bounce-back candidates for 2024-25
#3: Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi’s controversial offer sheet put the spotlight on him to produce in Carolina. After a subpar first season with the Canes, Kotkaniemi seemed to turn a corner, notching 18 goals and 43 points in 82 games.
However, Kotkaniemi’s second season with the Carolina Hurricanes was a letdown. He managed just 12 goals and 27 points in 79 games.
But at 24, there is still plenty of room for Kotkaniemi to grow. He’s slated as the Canes’ second-line center, meaning he’ll have plenty of opportunities to show what he can do. Thus, Kotkaniemi is a solid bounce-back candidate for the Canes as the club looks to top the Eastern Conference.
#2: Brent Burns
Burns has been gradually on the decline. His last big season was 2018-19 in San Jose, when he registered 83 points.
But after two down seasons in San Jose, Burns seemed to regain his form in Carolina. He notched 61 points in 2022-23. Unfortunately, Burns regressed significantly last season. He totaled 43 points while seeing a noticeable dip in his ice time. He went from 26 minutes per game two years ago to a little over 21 minutes last season.
Considering Burns is 39, there isn’t much reason to believe he can regain his highly dynamic form of some five years ago. Nevertheless, Burns has been durable. He doesn’t miss games and he works hard. That combination is a recipe for a bounce-back year.
#1: Frederik Andersen
Andersen has been a successful goaltender throughout his career. After leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs via free agency, Andersen looked fabulous with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Unfortunately, injuries limited Andersen to 16 games last season. But despite missing most of the season, Andersen was brilliant in those 16 games. He posted a 1.84 GAA and a .932 SV%. Those are Vezina-caliber numbers.
If Andersen can stay healthy to a point where he can start 40 games or more, he should easily be the Canes’ top bounce-back player. The Hurricanes are counting on him to be the guy, as the club is relatively thin in goalie depth.
