From Old to New: A Fresh Perspective of the New Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes season may look bad on paper, but in the long run this is a key season for many players.

With the playoffs out of question and a laundry list of players gone, the Hurricanes decided to take a clean slate, start the season over, and get some prospects some time on the ice in the NHL.

You will be seeing many of these names on the Carolina Hurricanes in the upcoming weeks, and some for years to come. Here is some of the players you will see play.

Drayson Bowman

Position: Left Wing

Born: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Age: 21

Height/Weight: 6'0", 181 lbs.

Drayson Bowman was drafted in 2007 by the Carolina Hurricanes. He excelled in the WHL for the Spokane Chiefs, helping them earn a Memorial Cup in 2008.

He was called up for one game for the Carolina Hurricanes. Other than that, he has excelled in the AHL on the Albany Riverrats. He currently has 17 goals and 32 points in 53 games for Albany in his first season playing for the farm team.

He is considered a speedy winger with an offensive upside, seen by his work in the WHL.

Zach Boychuk

Position: Center

Born: Airdrie, Alberta

Age: 20

Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs.

Zach Boychuk was drafted 12th in the 2008 draft by the Hurricanes. Since then he has played 20 games with the Hurricanes. He scored his first goal in February 2010 against future Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur.

When drafting Zach Boychuk in 2008, Carolina's vice president Jason Karmanos described Zach as "an exciting player, and that's the best way to describe Zach. He's one of those guys that can pick people out of their seats."

Boychuk has drawn great comparisons to another Hurricane (Ray Whitney), as they are both 5'10", 180 pounds, and have great vision.

Look for Boychuk to step up next season and play a role similar to what Brandon Sutter has been doing for the Hurricanes this season.

Brett Carson

Position: Defense

Born: Regina, Saskatchawan

Age: 24

Height/Weight: 6'4", 220 lbs.

Brett Carson was drafted by the Hurricanes in 2004. He participated in the WHL Skills Competition, beating fellow NHL'er Mike Green as the fastest defenseman.

He isn't considered an offensive defenseman at all, but his huge body and overwhelming power and strides make him a threat as a defenseman. He is considered a great puck handling defenseman who rarely makes bad passes.

He is good on the penalty kill and a sound defenseman in his own end.

Jamie McBain

Position: Defense

Born: Edina, Minnesota

Age: 22

Height/Weight: 6'2", 197 lbs.

Drafted by the Hurricanes in 2006, McBain decided to finish his college education at the University of Wisconsin before playing professionally.

He made his debut March 14, 2010 against the Boston Bruins. He scored an assist in that game on an Erik Cole goal. He has played in two games for the Hurricanes, and has two assists in two games.

He is considered an offensive defenseman, excelling at both offense and defense. While at UW, McBain's offensive production was almost at a point-per-game pace, which is extremely high for a defenseman.

Oskar Osala

Position: Left Wing

Born: Vassa, Finland

Age: 22

Height/Weight: 6'4", 217 lbs.

Oskar Osala was drafted in 2006 by the Washington Capitals. He was involved in the trade that sent Joe Corvo to the Washington Capitals. He is considered a two-way player excelling at both skating and using his size to his advantage.

He has played three games in the NHL, two with Washington and one with Carolina. He is in his second season in the AHL. He has 42 goals in the AHL and 72 points in two seasons.

He should develop nicely into the NHL. Look for him so see plenty more time before this season ends on Carolina.

Jerome Samson

Position: Right Wing

Born: Greenfield Park, Quebec

Age: 22

Height/Weight: 6'0", 188 lbs.

Jerome Samson was undrafted and the Hurricanes signed him a few days later in 2007. He would then report to the Albany Riverrats, where he has had three solid seasons. In his first two seasons he scored 43 goals for Albany. Currently he has 33 goals and 66 points for Albany, easily leading the Riverrats in every offensive stat.

Due to his success, he earned a well deserved call up to the NHL. Since then has played six games with the Carolina Hurricanes, only tallying one point in those games.

Jiri Tlusty

Position: Left Wing

Born: Slany, Czechoslovakia

Age: 22

Height/Weight: 6'0", 209 lbs.

Jiri Tlusty was drafted in 2006 in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was then traded in 2009 to the Carolina Hurricanes for Philippe Paradis.

He has played in plenty of games in the NHL but, is still considered a prospect. In 92 games he has 20 points, including 10 goals. In his first game with the Carolina Hurricanes, he opened the game scoring a two-on-one goal against the Washington Capitals.

Tlusty has a major offensive upside, but it has yet to be found in the NHL. Hopefully, the Hurricanes can capitalize with Tlusty and get him some more time in the NHL before the season is over.