Stankoven stepping up, proving large for Canes' Stanley Cup run

Stankoven stepping up, proving large for Canes' Stanley Cup run

When the Carolina Hurricanes acquired then-22-year-old forward Logan Stankoven last March, the move came as fast for him as it did for fans.

Fresh off a Thursday night game with Dallas, he had barely settled into his apartment when a friend texted: "Are you getting traded?"

He hadn't heard a thing -- until he opened social media. Rumors were everywhere. Sleep was impossible. By the next morning, the speculation became reality. He was headed to Raleigh.

Looking back, he says the transition couldn't have gone better. He describes the Hurricanes' locker room as unusually tight-knit; no egos, no hierarchy, just a group that genuinely enjoys being around each other. Veterans, young players, and a coaching staff led by Rod Brind'Amour all helped make the move seamless.

And Raleigh? He's fallen in love with it. Lowkey, welcoming, and loud when it matters, especially inside the Lenovo Center.

At 5-foot-8, he's heard the size questions his whole life. But he's never let his height define him.

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"It's the card I've been dealt," he said, and he added that he's always tried to stay one step ahead and outwork everyone around him.

That mindset has carried him through every level of hockey. This year, he's taken another leap -- adjusting to a new position at center and thriving in it.

Despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, he's embraced the challenge and credits his linemates for helping him elevate his game.

"It's been a fun year," Stankoven said. "A lot of credit goes to them."

Now 23, his journey has brought him right where he's supposed to be, and he's thrived -- leading Carolina with six goals in its first five postseason games.

The Hurricanes return to the ice on Thursday. Carolina has a 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3 in .