Hurricanes Daily: Prospects Showcase Talent, Bunting Impresses in Early Going

Following back-to-back preseason contests, the Carolina Hurricanes sit at 2-0 in exhibition games. Sure, that means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things, but the contests have produced highlight reel moments and even more optimism for the future.

Newly-signed talents and Carolina prospects came together to outscore Florida and Tampa Bay. 9-3, in the two matchups.

Felix Unger Sorum, a 2023 second round pick, made an immediate impact for Rod Brind’Amour and company, showcasing his passing abilities. The newly turned 18-year old recorded assists in each game, not only showing up in the box score, but creating opportunities that extend beyond the statistics.

On Wednesday, when all eyes were on Skyler Brind’Amour and his appearance in Raleigh, it was another Quinnipiac National Champion that turned in an impressive performance.

Yaniv Perets, who was a teammate of Brind’Amour’s this past season, tallied 29 minutes of action in net and stopped all six shot attempts for the win. He earned the game’s third star and becomes one of four Carolina netminders to see action in the preseason.

Between veterans Antti Raanta and Freddie Andersen being re-signed in the offseason and Pyotr Kochetkov on a four-year deal, there isn’t a clear path to immediate playing time at the NHL level for Perets.

However, with Andersen just on a two-year deal and Raanta entering free agency again this offseason, there is a realistic route for Perets down the line. Of course, this all hinders on his continued development, but the undrafted netminder showed promise in his Hurricanes debut.

Joining the prospects with impressive outings was Michael Bunting, who signed a three-year deal with Carolina in the offseason. He appeared in Carolina’s 4-1 win against Florida on Wednesday, adding in an assist and empty net goal.

His ‘Welcome to Raleigh’ moment occurred in the third period, as he was the lone defender in a 3-on-1 sequence. Bunting proceeded to derail the fast break and create a 3-on-1 rush of his own, where he found Brady Skjei to give the Hurricanes a 3-1 advantage.

He will look to continue his impressive start in a Carolina sweater on Friday, when the Hurricanes take part in a split squad doubleheader against Florida and Tampa Bay.

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