Suzuki, who the Hurricanes selected 28th overall in last year’s entry draft, had an interesting year production-wise in the OHL. He scored just five goals and 23 points in 21 games while he was with the Barrie Colts, a pace of just 16 goals and 74 points per 68 games, which was lower than his pace last season of 26 goals and 78 points per 68. However, after being traded to Saginaw he went on a tear, scoring 13 goals and 35 points in just 23 games with the Spirit, to bring his full season pace to 28 goals and 90 points per 68.
I probably wouldn’t bet on Suzuki getting into any game action, especially considering the Hurricanes don’t have any injuries in their forward group. But I think bringing him up represents one of two things: either the Hurricanes just wanted to get him some experience practicing alongside NHL players to help his development or they truly believe he can fill in effectively if there’s an injury. Based on comments that general manager Don Waddell made, it seems like it’s the former, but if he’s looking good in training camp and a couple forwards get injured, you never know.
There are 16 forwards on the roster and we can assume that if Morgan Geekie isn’t playing in the qualifying round, he’ll be the team’s top spare for sure. But after that, it would be between Suzuki, Steven Lorentz and Max McCormick and there’s a possibility that Suzuki could be the one getting playing time if there was a second injury.
Suzuki still has a year remaining in his OHL eligibility and it’s unlikely he sticks with the Hurricanes next season. However, it’s still a great idea to have Suzuki practicing with the team to start adjusting to the NHL and maybe we do end up seeing him in a Hurricanes jersey during the playoffs.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
How would you feel about Ryan Suzuki playing for the Hurricanes in the playoffs if there were injuries?
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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