Michal Jordan

The Hurricanes selected Jordan in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. A left-shooting native of the Czech Republic, Jordan is one of the better defensive prospects in Carolina’s system. He ended up turning pro in 2010-11, and recorded 18 points (4 G, 14 A) to go along with an impressive plus-13 rating in 67 games for AHL Charlotte. While Jordan seems to be on the fast track to the NHL, don’t be too surprised if he needs more seasoning in the minors for most, if not all, of 2011-12.

No, it's not the MJ you might be thinking of. Rather, we're talking about a native of Czech Republic who knows a thing or two about hockey. Jordan had plenty of international hockey experience prior to three seasons in the OHL, between the Windsor Spitfires and the Plymouth Whalers. Like basketball's MJ, Michal Jordan is capable of piling on points in a hurry, but he probably won't see the big stage of the NHL until next season.