A Draft Prospect with Ties to the Carolina Hurricanes Could Be a Worthwhile Project
As the NHL Entry Draft approaches, the Carolina Hurricanes find themselves once again in a strong position. With a consistent track record of drafting well and developing talent, they are often ahead of the curve in identifying and cultivating prospects who may not be immediate stars but have significant long-term upside. Among the many young players eligible this year, one draft prospect with indirect ties to the Hurricanes organization could represent an intriguing project—one that could pay dividends with proper development.
That prospect is Chase Stefanson, a skilled two-way center from the USHL who also happens to be the son of former Hurricanes assistant coach and scout, Dean Stefanson. While Chase’s ties to the Hurricanes aren’t through a bloodline of former NHL greats, his connection to the franchise via his father’s long-standing relationship with the organization brings a familiarity that could ease the transition into professional hockey, should Carolina choose to take a flyer on him in the later rounds.
Stefanson, standing at 6’1″ and 180 pounds, is not a flashy scorer but excels in subtle areas of the game. He possesses a high hockey IQ, plays responsibly in all three zones, and is known for his faceoff prowess and penalty-killing abilities. In his draft year with the Des Moines Buccaneers, he posted a modest 35 points in 58 games, but scouts note that his game translates better at the pro level where structure and discipline are valued more than pure offensive output.
Why would the Hurricanes take interest in such a player? The answer lies in their organizational philosophy. Carolina has built a strong pipeline by targeting players with smart habits, work ethic, and upside that may be overlooked by other teams. The team’s development staff—among the best in the league—has proven they can take a raw or under-the-radar player and turn him into a contributor at the NHL level. Players like Jaccob Slavin and Jesper Fast, once considered limited in upside, have become core parts of the team through patient, methodical development.
Moreover, the intangible benefit of familiarity can’t be overstated. Stefanson has grown up around NHL locker rooms, understands the day-to-day grind of professional hockey, and would enter the Hurricanes’ system already knowing some of the culture and expectations. This type of head start can help reduce growing pains and maximize the effectiveness of development resources.
Ultimately, Chase Stefanson might not be a name called in the first three rounds, but if the Hurricanes select him as a sixth- or seventh-round pick, he could become a rewarding long-term project. His blend of defensive responsibility, character, and ties to the organization make him an ideal low-risk, high-character selection—exactly the kind of prospect Carolina has quietly thrived with for years.
