Hurricanes expected to sign former second rounder to ELC

The Hurricanes are expected to get defense prospect Scott Morrow inked to an entry-level deal before his exclusive signing rights expire in August 2025, reports Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. 

Other teams have been calling the Hurricanes about trading for his rights, with some doubt circulating that he would sign in Carolina, but that talk has now ceased.

Morrow, 21, had his junior season with UMass come to an end Thursday after dropping an overtime heartbreaker to Denver in the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. He has one season remaining of collegiate eligibility and hasn’t decided if he’ll turn pro ahead of next season, but all signs point to the Canes getting a deal signed either this summer or next.

The offensive-minded blue-liner was taken with the 40th overall pick in 2021, which found its way to Carolina via Nashville and Los Angeles as part of the Viktor Arvidsson trade and a subsequent pick swap. 

Drafted straight out of high school, Morrow was among the most skilled defensemen in the class but had his draft stock limited by defensive shortcomings. Those haven’t exactly faded away as his career with UMass has progressed, but he has consistently managed to dominate offensively and in transition. 

The Connecticut native has 28 goals, 66 assists and 94 points in 109 games, ranking second among all NCAA defensemen in scoring over the past three years. Only Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson has more.

Morrow checked in at No. 3 in The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler’s yearly ranking of Hurricanes prospects, trailing only top KHL blue-liner Alexander Nikishin among defenders. 

With the future of most of Carolina’s blue line uncertain — Jalen Chatfield, Tony DeAngelo, Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei are all pending UFAs — Morrow is in line to play a significant NHL role within a few years’ time. Expecting him to be plopped into the Canes’ opening night lineup this fall might be bullish, though. 

If Carolina can secure a full-time AHL affiliate next season, some time in the minors would be beneficial for Morrow to adjust to the pro game and avoid being an unplayable defensive liability when he reaches the majors.