Best Carolina Hurricanes Players of All Time

Though the team only moved to Carolina in 1997, the Carolina Hurricanes have fostered some of the NHL’s most outstanding talents.

Renowned for their contributions on the ice and impact on the franchise, these are the best Carolina Hurricanes players of all time.

Best Carolina Hurricanes Players of All Time

1. Rod Brind’Amour

Before he was the team’s head coach, Rod Brind’Amour was the soul of the Carolina Hurricanes. He was instrumental in the Canes’ 2006 Stanley Cup victory and finished his career with 473 points in 694 games in Carolina. 

Brind’Amour won two Selke Trophies with Carolina and was known as one of the best two-way forwards in hockey throughout his career. His No. 17 jersey was retired by the team in 2011, honouring his dedication to the franchise. 

2. Eric Staal 

Eric Staal played a monumental part in turning the Hurricanes into a Stanley Cup odds betting- and fan-favourite. He racked up 322 goals and 775 points in 909 career games in Carolina. 

Staal led the team to its first Stanley Cup victory in 2006. His consistency as one of the league’s top scorers and playmakers made him a pivotal piece in the Hurricanes’ success. Staal led the Hurricanes in scoring eight times and represented Carolina in four all-star games. His longevity and commitment to the franchise made him a beloved figure in Hurricanes’ history.

3. Ron Francis

A member of the franchise in its Hartford Whaler days, Ron Francis holds an irreplaceable part in Hurricanes history. Francis brought veteran leadership in his return to Carolina and served as the team’s captain during his Hurricanes tenure. 

He won the 2001-02 Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward. Francis remains the franchise’s all-time leader in goals (382), assists (793), points (1,175), and games played (1,186). He played a key role in the team’s journey to the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals and had a significant impact on the growth of hockey in Carolina. The current general manager of the Seattle Kraken, Francis remains a beloved member of the Hurricanes hockey family.

4. Cam Ward 

Forever remembered for his heroics in the 2006 playoffs, Cam Ward earned the Conn Smythe trophy for his outstanding performance as a rookie goalie in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Over his 13 seasons in Carolina, Ward became the franchise’s all-time leader in wins (318), shutouts (27), and games played (668) as a goaltender. Ward is undoubtedly the greatest goalie in Hurricanes history. 

5. Jeff Skinner

Jeff Skinner debuted with a bang, winning the 2011 Calder Trophy after lighting the lamp with 31 goals and 63 assists across his rookie season. 

Jeff Skinner's as a rookie was just different 🔥 pic.twitter.com/akguGnPEJu

— Alex Ohári 🔴⚫️ (@FutureCanes) August 30, 2020

He quickly became a key cog in the Canes’ offensive success, and his knack for finding the back of the net resulted in 204 goals over 579 games with the franchise. Skinner’s goal-scoring ability and sweet skating skills made him one of the most dynamic forwards to ever lace ’em up for the Hurricanes. 

6. Justin Williams

Renowned as “Mr. Game 7” for his clutch playoff performances, Justin Williams played a crucial role in the Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup run. His leadership and timely scoring, including 201 goals and 449 points in Carolina were pivotal in the team’s success. 

7. Sebastian Aho 

The modern face of the franchise, Sebastian Aho has established himself as a premier goalscorer. 

His fearless dynamism and unbelievable agility have propelled him to fourth in goals (233) and points (516) in Hurricanes history. Aho led the Canes’’ to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, and will be hungry for his team to return to glory. The 26-year-old Finn has the potential to chart the course of the franchise for years to come.