Late picks, big swings, and a farm system that won’t stop churning: Nick Bass (Canes Prospects) & I break down which Carolina Hurricanes prospects took real steps forward and why their games now project at the NHL level. Our top five features a resurgent Felix Unger Sorum, who regained his edge at right wing with quicker feet, a heavier shot, and the same elite vision that once put him on the brink of a roster spot. We also spotlight Bradly Nadeau’s five-on-five progress in Chicago—less perimeter, more pressure, and a line that drives play with pace.

On the college front, Jayden Perron looks like a new player at Michigan. He’s logging top-line minutes, running a power play with patience and touch, and proving those pre-draft projections weren’t misplaced. We dig into how role, confidence, and usage can flip a trajectory. Overseas, Yegor Velmakin has finally found consistent starts in St. Petersburg, turning the corner with steady form and raising questions about his next contract and where he fits in a crowded goalie ladder.

We don’t skip the big-picture context. Chicago’s mid-season coaching change is rare in the AHL, but the Wolves’ special teams gains and development track record remain bright spots. Honorable mentions add crucial depth to the story: Kurban Limatov’s smooth skating and physical edge, Justin Poirier’s scoring translating to NCAA speed, and Jakub Vondras re-establishing himself with a strong November. We also examine center depth and the timeline for a young pivot to potentially anchor a middle-six role, outlining how a short-term veteran bridge could sync with the prospect pipeline.

Highlights:

• Ekberg’s shooting jump and creative play in Ottawa
• Velmakin’s consistent VHL starts and contract intrigue
• Nadeau’s five-on-five growth and physical edge
• Wolves coaching change and special teams impact
• Perron’s resurgence at Michigan as PP quarterback
• Unger Sorum’s confidence, stronger shot, and right-wing fit
• Limatov’s return to form and MHL All-Star nod
• Poirier’s scoring translating to NCAA speed
• Robidas’ do-it-all profile and NHL readiness
• Vondras’ steady November and goalie depth picture
• Artamonov’s KHL reset and system fit
• Monitoring Cerrato's path to a middle-six NHL center

Hit play to hear who’s closest to NHL-ready, who needs more runway, and why the Canes’ scouting bets on undersized skill and oversized defenders are paying off. If you enjoy these prospect deep dives, follow, share with a Canes fan, and leave a review so we can keep growing this community.

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