According to a team statement, the Hurricanes recalled centre Ryan Suzuki from AHL Springfield on Friday. He becomes the second player on Carolina’s enlarged postseason roster without any NHL experience, after defenseman Ronan Seeley was called up from the minors on Thursday.
This season, Suzuki, 22, was able to remain stagnant in his growth while other Hurricanes prospects found it difficult to find a reliable minor-league affiliate. When Carolina and the Chicago Wolves of the AHL couldn’t come to an agreement to renew their affiliation, they lent the 2019 first-round pick out to Springfield, the Blues’ top affiliate, for the whole season. In 51 games, a career best, he recorded 14 goals, 16 assists, and a -9 rating for 30 points.
However, he hasn’t yet been able to make a significant impression in the minor leagues, and he is still waiting for his first NHL recall during the regular season. The younger brother of Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki was drafted as a skilled playmaker out of the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. He joined AHL Chicago a year early in the professional ranks because the OHL cancelled the 2020–21 season completely due to the COVID-19 epidemic. In 153 AHL games since going pro, he has managed 39 goals, 47 assists, and 86 points.
Although the numbers aren’t terrible, they’re nevertheless underwhelming for a first-round choice and insufficient to make Carolina upset one of the league’s most potent offences. Carolina has choices, therefore
The product of London, Ontario, is nearing the end of his rookie deal. He has to accept the $874,125 qualifying offer from the Hurricanes in order to be able to use his summertime restricted free agent status. Though if he signed a one-year contract, he would be qualified for salary arbitration in 2025, he is not now eligible.
