Jamie McBain

No 'Cane defenseman produced more offense than McBain in 2011-2012, as he followed up his 30-point rookie campaign with eight goals and 27 points last season. Though his -7 differential suggests a deficiency in the stay-at-home game, the Carolina front office is clearly fine in letting the 24-year old play it a little fast and loose moving forward, given that they coughed up nearly $2 million in May to retain his services for another two years. McBain is a skilled offensive defenseman that has a bit more value in keeper leagues, however he could be losing some of his power-play chances to Justin Faulk. As is the case with most young, offensive-minded defenders, McBain had stretches of futility last season.

McBain enjoyed a fine sophomore season, tallying 30 points (7 G, 23 A) in 76 games for Carolina last year. An excellent passer, McBain could establish himself as a top-pairing defenseman with a little more experience. But despite his offensive talents grabbing all the headlines, the young blueliner's skills in his own zone continue to improve, which bodes well for his level of playing time in 2011-12. McBain had shoulder surgery after the conclusion of the regular season, but considering that he was able to finish out the campaign with the injury, it probably isn't much of a concern.

The Hurricanes are in rebuilding mode after the team finished below .500 for the first time since the 2003-04 season. Consequently, young prospects like McBain could be in store for a great deal of ice time this season - especially now that veterans Rod Brind'Amour (retired) and Ray Whitney (signed with Phoenix) are out of the picture. Sooner than later, you could be watching McBain, a former Wisconsin Badger, grabbing power-play time for the 'Canes along with fellow uber prospects Zach Boychuk and Brandon Sutter. Until that happens, McBain is a nice sleeper pick in keeper leagues.

McBain proved to be a terrific producer of points as a defenseman at the collegiate level. His generosity with the puck led to 30 assists in 2008-09, playing for the Wisconsin Badgers. He also won WCHA Player of the Year honors, and despite an unimpressive 10-game run with the Albany River Rats in which he managed only two points, his name deserves to be mentioned in the same company as fellow ‘Canes prospects Zach Boychuk and Brandon Sutter.

McBain will return to Wisconsin for his junior year in college. A good, not great, long-term prospect.

McBain is a solid defense prospect who took major strides forward last season. We expect him to stay in college through at least this season, before considering a jump to the pros.

McBane's outlook for the foreseeable future is development in the minor leagues. He's years away from taking the ice in Raleigh.

McBane, who really blossomed in the US National Team Development Program, has some pretty good offensive skills and looks to be a solid power-play quarterback in the NHL. He really needs to work on his own-zone coverage, though, as his gaffes are often very large. He's headed to the University of Wisconsin in 2006-07 and is a long way off.