The Carolina Hurricanes could stand to improve in several areas, so it makes sense that they opted for a quality player in Noah Hanifin with the fifth overall pick.
Hanifin is a standout defenseman who just finished his freshman season with Boston College. He sports the sort of size and puck-moving skills that are virtually always sought after on the blueline, especially for a team that’s often struggled in that area.
Getting him with the fifth pick is a solid mini-steal, as some pegged him to be the third pick in 2015. During weaker years, Hanifin would have come into a draft with far more hype.
Also, here is a photo of him with a snake for no clear reason.
Want to know more about the defenseman? Check out this profile.