Prospect Info: #41OA - Hurricanes select RW Noel Gunler (Luleå HF - SHL)

[bleedgreen]

I haven't followed Gunler closely but he seemed like a pure finisher....and something the Canes need.

Does he still have a path to the big club? How is his defensive game coming along?

From what I’ve seen you barely notice him until he gets the puck in a good area and then he’s a dangerous player at maybe any level. We talk about needing a “50 foot player”, he could maybe fit that bill but it seems he still has a lot of growth needed as a player to be trusted. He was always a long shot, I don’t know if he’s at the crossroads yet but it feels like he’s close.

 

[NotOpie]

From what I’ve seen you barely notice him until he gets the puck in a good area and then he’s a dangerous player at maybe any level. We talk about needing a “50 foot player”, he could maybe fit that bill but it seems he still has a lot of growth needed as a player to be trusted. He was always a long shot, I don’t know if he’s at the crossroads yet but it feels like he’s close.

So watching both the prospects tournament as well as preseason, I watched Suzuki and Gunler closely. I was surprised at how engaged Gunler was. He blocked shots, rushed to cover his man, and most importantly, ALWAYS found that soft spot in the defense. Kid is a pure sniper who has silk for hands. Felt like to me he was told what he needed to improve upon and he took it to heart.