Canes boast some of the top defensemen in the NCAA

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Hockeysfuture.com has ranked the top ten defensemen in the NCAA and their are many Hurricanes crowding the list.

Brian Dumoulin

HockeyFuture National Rank: 3rd

Current Team: Junior, Boston College Eagles

NHL Rights: Carolina Hurricanes (Drafted 2009, 2nd Round, 51st Overall)

The Carolina Hurricanes have just three prospects currently playing in the NCAA, all of whom are defensemen. The one that could potentially be the most successful at the NHL level is Boston College's Brian Dumoulin. Carolina had offered the Biddeford, ME native a contact this past off-season, but he opted to return to Chestnut Hill. And by doing so, the Hurricanes organization will benefit greatly by his development this season.

Dumoulin currently leads the Eagles in defensemen scoring with 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) through 30 games, while his plus-seven co-leads the team. Dumoulin is also on pace to better his 33 points from last season as well.

One area where Dumoulin has continued to make great strides is on the defensive side. He has vastly improved the use of his 6'4, 225 pound frame in clearing bodies from the front of net and moving players off the puck. What is notable here is the fact that Dumoulin's defensive development hasn't come at the expense of his vital offensive contributions either.

Career Stats

2008-2009 (EJHL, New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs) 48 games, 7 goals, 26 assists, 33 points

2009-2010: (NCAA, Boston College Eagles) 42 games, 1 goal, 21 assists, 22 points, plus/minus +40 (BC won the National Championship, Dumoulin was selected to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team and the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team)

2010-2011: (NCAA, Boston College Eagles) 37 games, 3 goals, 30 assists, 33 points, plus/minus +23 (Won Hockey East regular season and playoff championships)

2010-2011: (U20 World Juniors, Team USA) 6 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, plus/minus +4 (Won Bronze Medal with Team USA)

2011-2012: (NCAA, Boston College Eagles) 30 games, 4 goals, 19 assists, 23 points

Danny Biega

HockeyFuture National Rank: 6th

Current Team: Junior, Harvard University Crimson

NHL Rights: Carolina Hurricanes (Drafted 2010, 3rd Round, 67th Overall)

After leading Harvard last season with 30 points, Biega has continued his excellent play again this season. The Montreal, QC native currently ranks second on the team and leads all Crimson rearguards with 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) playing in all 25 games thus far.

As good as his older brother Alex was during his career at Harvard, the younger Biega could potentially be the more successful of the two at the pro level. Danny Biega brings a nice combination of superb puck-moving ability, great transitioning, and grit to his game. And with each successive year, he has utilized those assets more effectively. Two areas where Biega has vastly improved are in his one-on-one play and decision-making. His added physical strength allows him to take opposing players off the puck more easily in all areas of the ice. Biega's decisions have become smarter in knowing when to jump into developing plays.

Like Dumoulin, Biega also had the opportunity to sign with Carolina this past summer. Biega chose to return to Harvard and has been a stabilizing presence on a predominantly young Crimson blue line this season. If he is able to bring to Carolina what has brought to Harvard, Biega could become an impact player at the pro level.

Career Stats

2008-2009: (New England Prep, Salisbury School) 8 goals, 14 assists, 22 points (Won New England Prep Title, Defenseman of the Year, All New England Division Ice Hockey All-Star Team)

2009-2010: (NCAA, Harvard University Crimson) 32 games, 5 goals, 4 assists, 9 points, plus/minus -5

2010-2011 (NCAA, Harvard University Crimson) 34 games, 11 goals, 19 assists, 30 points, plus/minus +2

2011-2012 (NCAA, Harvard University Crimson) 25 games, 7 goals, 19 assists, 26 points

Mark Alt

HockeyFuture National Rank: 10th

Current Team: Sophomore, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers

NHL Rights: Carolina Hurricanes (Drafted 2010, 2nd Round, 53rd Overall)

After an outstanding rookie campaign last season playing more of an offensive defenseman role, Alt is focused on the defensive side this season. However, his offensive contributions continue to be there. The St. Paul, MN native has posted 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) playing in all 31 games thus far. Alt has already surpassed his point total from last season (10). His plus-16 is currently tied for third on the team and he has seen time playing in all situations.

Alt added about ten pounds to his 6'3 frame over the summer and that's enhanced both his skating and his defensive game. He has noticeably more power in his strides and his ability to shut down opposing have improved. Another addition to Alt's game this season is his increasing physical play. The two areas that Alt will need to continue to improve are his gap control and his decision-making in joining plays.

While he is still in a work in progress, Alt has great potential for success at the next level. And if what he has shown at Minnesota thus far is any indication, Alt will simply add to an existing talent-rich defensive group of prospects in the Carolina Hurricanes pipeline.

Career Stats

2009-2010 (Cretin-Derham High School) 24 games, 6 goals, 24 assists, 30 points

2009-2010 (Upper Midwest High School Elite League, Team North East) 7 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point

2010-2011 (NCAA, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers) 35 games, 2 goals, 8 assists, 10 points, plus/minus +3

2011-2012 (NCAA, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers) 31 games, 4 goals, 14 assists, 18 points

[Sapper]

Nice! The future is very bright for this team, and I trust in JR.

[Panther_mountain]

I just saw this article on hockey's future. I love that site. Wish individual players profiles were updated more often but they are covering a ridiculous amount of players from around the world.

Forgot to add...I hope Boston College wins it all this year so Dumoulin comes out and doesn't think about going back.