By Of all the talented players that the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL have produced, who do you think is the best? It’s a tough question to answer but based on our sole opinions and careful analysis, we have listed below the 7 best Carolina Hurricanes players you need to know.
1. Ron Francis
Full name: Ronald Michael Francis Jr.
Born: March 1st, 1963 (age 59)
Position: Centre
Played for: Hartford Whalers; Pittsburgh Penguins; Carolina Hurricanes; and Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career: 1981–2004
Ron Francis is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey center who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 23 seasons for the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs from 1981 to 2004. He was placed 2nd all-time in career assists with a total of 1,249, behind only the iconic Wayne Gretzky; 5th in career points with a score of 1,798; 3rd in most games appearances with 1,731; and placed 27th in career goals with a score of 549. He was undeniably one of the greatest players of the Carolina Hurricanes.
2. Jaccob Slavin
Full name: Jaccob Scott Slavin
Born: May 1st, 1994 (age 28)
Position: Defense
Current NHL team: Carolina Hurricanes
Playing career: 2015–present
Jaccob Slavin is an American pro ice hockey defenseman who currently plays in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Carolina Hurricanes and also serves as an alternate captain for the team. The defenseman was picked in the 4th round (120th overall) by the Hurricanes of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. As of now, he is one of the best Hurricanes players.
3. Rod Brind’amour
Full name: Roderic Jean Brind’Amour
Born: August 9th, 1970 (age 52)
Position: Centre
Played for: St. Louis Blues; Philadelphia Flyers; Carolina Hurricanes; and Kloten Flyers
Playing career: 1989–2010
Roderic Brind’Amour spent 20 seasons as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes. During his tenure with the Hurricanes, he also served as a captain and led them to their first Stanley Cup title in 2006.
4. Glen Wesley
Full name: Glen Edwin Wesley
Born: October 2nd, 1968 (age 54)
Position: Defence
Played for: Boston Bruins; Hartford Whalers; Carolina Hurricanes; Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career: 1987–2008
Glen Wesley is a Canadian-American retired ice hockey defenceman who spent 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup in 2006 in his career with the Hurricanes.
5. Erik Cole
Full name: Erik Thomas Cole
Born: November 6th, 1978 (age 44)
Position: Left Wing
Played for: Carolina Hurricanes; Edmonton Oilers; Montreal Canadiens; Dallas Stars; and Detroit Red Wings
Playing career: 2000–2015
Erik Cole is an American retired professional ice hockey left winger who spent 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, and Detroit Red Wings. Cole was originally picked by the Hurricanes in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was considered one of the best players of the Hurricanes.
6. Jeff O’Neil
Full name: Jeffrey O’Neill
Born: February 23, 1976 (age 46)
Position: Right Wing
Played for: Hartford Whalers; Carolina Hurricanes; and Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career: 1995–2007
Jeff O’Neil is a former pro ice hockey right winger who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was best known for his goal production in his career with the Hurricanes.
7. Ray Whitney
Full name: Raymond D. Whitney
Born: May 8th, 1972 (age 50)
Position: Left Wing
Played for: San Jose Sharks; Edmonton Oilers; Florida Panthers; Columbus Blue Jackets; Detroit Red Wings; Carolina Hurricanes; Phoenix Coyotes; and Dallas Playing career: 1991–2014
Ray Whitney is a Canadian retired pro ice hockey left winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for seven different franchises. Whitney was often referred to as “The Wizard” for his passing abilities and great playmaking skills.
