The Carolina Hurricanes went all in this offseason. They signed Nikolaj Ehlers and K’Andre Miller to help fortify their roster for a Stanley Cup charge. Both players are expected to play a major role in Carolina this season. Another name to watch, though, is young forward Logan Stankoven.
Stankoven was not a major offseason addition like Ehlers or Miller. However, his arrival in Carolina certainly created headlines. He was traded by the Dallas Stars to the Hurricanes in the second Mikko Rantanen trade of the 2024-25 NHL season.
Rantanen is a game-breaking talent and in the conversation as a top-five player in the NHL. He showed what he can do in Dallas’s run to the Western Conference Finals this past postseason, as well. Being traded for a player of his caliber creates a ton of pressure, especially for a young player such as Stankoven.
He did play well down the stretch last season. This upoming season could see the young star take on an even larger role. Used mostly as a winger in the NHL, head coach Rod Brind’Amour is giving Stankoven a chance to audition for the second line center role in training camp. This is a huge opportunity, and one the 22-year-old is excited to have.
“It was something that Rod talked to me about at our end-of-year exit meeting,” Stankoven said of the move to center, via Hurricanes reporter Walt Ruff. “At the pro level, I haven’t really had a solid chance to try it yet.”
“I’m really excited about the opportunity. Hopefully it works out. And if not? It’s not a big deal,” Stankoven said. “I’ll just take what I’m given and do it to the best of my abilities.”
What Logan Stankoven Needs To Show Rod Brind’Amour
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesLogan Stankoven has a chance to play a significant role with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Stankoven is not a stranger to playing center, to be fair. He played center most of his life, in fact. He was a center during his impressive junior hockey career with the Kamloops Blazers. And he has retained a lot of his skill even after moving to the wing.
The skill is not the issue. His creativity is something Brind’Amour desires, as well. What needs to be proven, though, is whether Stankoven can put his teammates in position to make a play or score.
“Obviously, (Stankoven is) a very creative player, and you’re going to play him with creative guys. Can that generate some more goals? That’s really what we’re looking to see,” Brind’Amour told Ruff.
Hurricanes Hoping Stankoven Continues Development
Only time will tell if Carolina’s faith in Stankoven is repaid. However, the immediate return was quite positive. The 22-year-old scored the team’s only goal in their 2-1 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
This is only the first game, of course. But it’s an encouraging sign, at the very least. Stankoven looked comfortable anchoring his own line. And he was able to put himself in a position to score. He did not record an assist, but Brind’Amour is going to give him time.
The Hurricanes have done well to develop young talent over the years. They certainly hope Stankoven is the next success story on this roster. Carolina makes its regular-season debut on October 9th against the New Jersey Devils.
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