Old North Banter
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Carolina Hurricanes Top 5 Picks of the Decade

By Ryan Henkel

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Don Waddell attends the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Don Waddell attends the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Jeff Skinner – 2010; First Round; Number 7

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 03: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates a goal by Victor Rask #49 (not shown) at 6:36 of the third period against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2016 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 03: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates a goal by Victor Rask #49 (not shown) at 6:36 of the third period against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2016 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Skinner was a natural goal scorer and one of the best skaters in the draft due to his figure skating background. However, many predicted that Skinner wouldn’t be drafted in the first round due to his size with even the NHL Central Scouting ranking Skinner as the 34th best North American skater in the draft.

The Canes shocked everyone by taking him seventh overall and they together went on to prove everyone wrong. In his rookie year, Skinner would win the Calder Trophy on the back of a 31 goal and 63 point campaign. Skinner went on to score 204 goals including 28 game winners with the Canes over 579 games.

He had a 30+ goal season three times with the team and led the team in goals in three separate seasons. One of the most beloved Hurricanes for his charm and smile, Skinner was one of the brightest spots in a dark time for Hurricanes fans.

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