As the offseason continues its steady march and the buzz surrounding the NHL Entry Draft and free agency slowly fades, hockey enthusiasts are eagerly counting down the days until the start of the upcoming season. Over here at Last Word on Hockey, we have been delving into various “bests” from different teams to keep the spirit of hockey alive during these scorching summer days. From highlighting the best players by number for select teams to ranking the top captains, best and worst sweaters, and top first-round draft picks, our writers have been busy uncovering the hidden gems of each franchise. As a nod to the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, we turn our focus to the Carolina Hurricanes and take a look at their all-time starting lineups based on nationality, following in the footsteps of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators who have also embarked on similar series.
The Carolina Hurricanes All-Time American Starting Lineup features Erik Cole on the left wing, Matt Cullen at center, and Bates Battaglia on the right wing. On defense, Jaccob Slavin holds down the left side while Justin Faulk stands strong on the right. Between the pipes, Alex Nedeljkovic guards the net with an ironclad presence.
Starting our lineup at center is Matt Cullen, a native of Minnesota who began his NHL journey with the Anaheim Ducks before finding his way to Carolina. After a brief stint with the New York Rangers, Cullen returned to the Hurricanes in 2006 and played a crucial role as a veteran presence on the team. Despite never earning All-Star honors or lighting up the scoreboard, Cullen’s contributions as a versatile middle six forward who excelled in all situations were invaluable. His longevity in the league, spanning over a decade, is a testament to his dedication and talent on the ice.
Known as the “Ageless Wonder,” Cullen’s impact on the Hurricanes was profound, particularly during the team’s successful 2006 Stanley Cup Championship and 2009 Eastern Conference Finals runs. His steady play and leadership were instrumental in guiding Carolina to these memorable moments in franchise history. While Vincent Trocheck also deserves recognition for his solid play at center for the Hurricanes, Cullen’s lasting legacy during his time with the team secures his spot in the all-time American Starting Lineup.
As we reflect on the contributions of these American players who’ve donned the Hurricanes jersey over the years, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of talent that has graced Carolina’s roster. Each player brings a unique skill set and a shared commitment to excellence, embodying the spirit of hockey and the enduring legacy of the Hurricanes franchise.
