Andrej Nestrasil's Career with Carolina Hurricanes off to Promising Start

Andrej Nestrasil's stat line since joining the Carolina Hurricanes in November: 21 games played, four goals, nine assists and a plus-seven rating.

Not bad for a 24-year-old rookie player costing the team just $422,850 to employ.

When Ron Francis claimed Nestrasil off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings on Nov. 20, the 6'3" forward had tallied just two points (both assists) in 13 games after surprisingly making the NHL team during training camp. Stephen Weiss was returning from injured reserve, and Nestrasil was the one put at risk to open up the necessary roster spot.

In the time since, Weiss—a 31-year-old with a career heading downhill—has tallied 19 points in 39 games for Detroit while the young and promising Nestrasil has scored 13 in 21 for Carolina.

The Red Wings are, nevertheless, fifth in the Eastern Conference at the moment while the 'Canes sit in 15th.

Yet the real impact of November's transaction won't be realized for years. And the Hurricanes certainly like their end of the not-so-mutual exchange from that perspective.

Gregg Forwerck/Getty Images

Since returning from an abdominal tear that sidelined him from Dec. 8 (just eight games into his time in North Carolina) to Jan. 16, Nestrasil has emerged as one of the most reliable and productive secondary scorers in the Hurricanes' lineup.

Month(s)	GP	G	A	P
October to January	23	1	4	5
February	10	3	6	9

Nestrasil has scored thrice and accumulated seven assists over his last 10 games alone, dating back to Feb. 7 at San Jose. In the 'Canes' last three contests, he's played over 15 minutes every game and recorded a whopping five assists and 10 shots on goal.

Part of Nestrasil's recent success seems to stem from the simple trust the 'Canes coaching staff seems to have with him. The Czech Republic native, who spent the past three seasons with the Red Wings' dominant minor league clubs in Grand Rapids and Toledo, has received far more playing time since his waiver claim:

Graphic by Mark Jones

Recently re-signed defensive center Jay McClement ranks second-best on the team in limiting opponent shot attempts—second to Nestrasil, that is (per Hockey Analysis data), who has proven to be one of the team's best two-way forwards.

Nestrasil's effect on gameplay, moreover, is noticeable well outside of the stat sheet. His powerful presence in board battles, defensive dedication and responsibility and powerful stride have added new dimensions to the team's depth.

Bill Smith/Getty Images

The 2009 third-round draft pick is currently slated to be a restricted free agent this summer, and he'll expect a very significant raise over his current salary. It does appear, however, that he's found his long-time home in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The trade deadline departure of Jiri Tlusty and the expected summer departure of soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Patrick Dwyer will open up plenty of space for Nestrasil to establish himself as certainly a third-line, if not a borderline second-line, winger in the coming years. 

It seems likely that the franchise's front office foresees him as an important member of the team's future, particularly providing solid, if not flashy, two-way reliability on the wings. Nestrasil lacks star upside, but he's quickly growing into a vital role player.

Salary information per Spotrac.

Mark Jones has covered the Carolina Hurricanes for Bleacher Report since 2009. Visit his profile to read more, or follow him on Twitter.