Daniel Altshuller Offers Future Answer to Carolina Hurricanes' Goaltending Woes

As an injury-clogged goaltending situation continues to plague the Carolina Hurricanes' immediate outlook, an unheralded 2012 third-round draft pick by the name of Daniel Altshuller offers hope of a terrific long-term solution.

Altshuller, 19, was the sixth netminder picked in his draft year and Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford's highest-selected goalie since Justin Peters (second round, 2004). He was considered at the time to be somewhat of a risky investment for a team in desperate need of instant depth at the position.

Seventeen months later, both the selection and Altshuller himself seem more and more brilliant by the day.

The 6'3", 200-pound hulk has absolutely stonewalled the high-scoring OHL this autumn, posting a 12-2-1 record for the Eastern Conference-leading Oshawa Generals. His .922 save percentage and 2.37 goals-against average both rank third in the 20-team league, and his dozen wins are two more than any other starter.

Said Altshuller to Aedan Helmer of the Ottawa Sun last week:

"We're just working hard every game and in practice. No one really gave us a shot this year, but now we're first in the East and we're turning some heads, so we've just got to keep rolling."

It's a stunning stretch for the once mid-grade prospect, but he's certainly not unaccustomed to success—he led Oshawa to the third overall seed last season, as well, with a 36-18-2-3 record and sixth-ranked 2.62 GAA.

On November 21, Altshuller will take over the reins of Team OHL in their match against Team Russia in Oshawa. He's hoping to use the elevated stage to better his rapidly increasing chances of making Team Canada for December's World Junior Championships.

A starring WJC role would likely earn Altshuller an entry-level contract and AHL starting job as soon as next season.

Per prospect scouting website Hockey's Future:

"Making leaps and bounds in progress during his second year in the OHL, Altshuller has the makings of a goalie that could compete for time in the pros. His progression will have to steadily continue."

Per TheScout.ca managing editor Brendan Ross:

The Ontario native was stellar in his first week on PNC Arena ice during July's development camp, catching the eyes of the Hurricanes coaches, scouts and fans alike. In a week that brought out the jitters for many young 'Canes prospects, Altshuller was unflappably calm and steady, drill after drill and day after day.

With Cam Ward's career showing some alarming cracks, Justin Peter's tenure as a professional goaltender perhaps nearing a disappointing end and the jury still out on Anton Khudobin, the Hurricanes' goaltending future is wide open.

Altshuller could easily be the top candidate to hold Carolina's starting-goaltender role five years down the road.

Mark Jones has been a Carolina Hurricanes featured columnist for Bleacher Report since 2009. Visit his profile to read more, or follow him on Twitter.