Hurricanes Sign Skinner

It looks like we may have a new hat thrown into the rookie race this year, as the Carolina Hurricanes have signed their 2010 1st round pick, Jeff Skinner, to his 3-year entry-level deal, likely with the intention of drawing him into the opening night roster on October 7th in Helsinki against the Minnesota Wild.  The deal has been reported to be worth $810,000 per season with bonuses that will lift it up to a cap hit of $900,000.

Skinner was picked 7th overall by the Hurricanes after playing two seasons with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL.  In 2010, he scored 50 goals and added 40 assists in 64 games during the regular season for the junior club, while also adding 20 goals and 13 assists in 20 playoff games as well. Skinner has been touted as one of the better goal scorers in the 2010 draft class, but may not have the mobility of some of the top prospects, but that obviously doesn't have much effect on what the Hurricanes think of him.

Now, until he officially makes the team, which shouldn't be long now, he won't actually be added to my salary cap tally just yet. But just a reminder of what the Hurricanes are working with, I have the Hurricanes with 10 forwards, five defense, two goalies and two buyouts for $46.2 million, which gives Skinner plenty of room to slide right into a spot with the Hurricanes and make a name for himself.

There have been whispers about Skinner being a Calder Trophy candidate this year, which would suggest that he should have the talent to dazzle and put up points this season.  The whispers are enough for me to watch the Hurricanes highlights closely during this preseason, maybe we'll see a little bit of magic.  According to the publications I have, the Hockey News doesn't give any points, suggesting he won't make it, neither does the Forecaster and the Pooler's Guide doesn't have many to begin with, so don't count on him there.  Skinner doesn't appear in the Dobber's Guide line-up for the Hurricanes either, so he could be a bit of a hidden gem, if he makes the team.  Keep an eye on him...