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The Chicago Wolves claimed the Calder Cup this weekend, defeating the Springfield Thunderbirds in five games to take the championship series.
CHAMPIONS. pic.twitter.com/RUrYQfiMZ9
— z - Chicago Wolves (@Chicago_Wolves) June 26, 2022
Jack Drury scored nine goals and 24 points in just 18 playoff games, while defenseman Joey Keane had 12 points in 18 games. Pyotr Kochetkov managed an excellent .950 save percentage with two shutouts over six games as well, while other prospects like Vasili Ponomarev and Jamieson Rees were regulars in the lineup.
Of the bunch, Drury could certainly push for a spot in the NHL next season, after already getting into a couple games with the Hurricanes this past season. Meanwhile, Keane sometimes seems like a bit of an afterthought in the organization due to the team’s defensive depth, but he has a lot of potential and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn a roster spot next year, depending on what happens with some of the team’s free agents. Kochetkov seems likely to find himself back in the AHL next season due to the pre-existing tandem of Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta, though he’s certainly close to joining the Hurricanes full-time as well.
The win is a good reminder that even with the Hurricanes now as a contending team, they have a lot to look forward to with their prospect pool as well.
Quiz maker OTHER ARTICLES FROM JUNE
2021-22 Season Recap: Carolina Hurricanes Jake Gardiner cleared to resume NHL career What will the Hurricanes do with Jake Gardiner? Will the Hurricanes re-sign Vincent Trocheck? How will Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s eight-year deal work out for the Hurricanes? Will the Hurricanes re-sign Nino Niederreiter?