As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Canadian Hockey League is tipping its cap to five decades of elite junior hockey by unveiling its list of the "Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years." And for fans of the Carolina Hurricanes - and their predecessor, the Hartford Whalers - there’s plenty of reason to take notice. Eight former Canes or Whalers made the cut, a testament to the franchise’s deep ties to CHL greatness.
The CHL, which brings together the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), has long been a proving ground for future NHL stars. Players typically hit the ice between ages 16 and 20, and over the past 50 years, the league has churned out some of the most iconic names in the sport. This list isn’t just a walk down memory lane - it’s a celebration of players who left their mark both in junior hockey and at the highest level of the game.
The CHL’s Top 50 includes a balanced mix across all positions: six goaltenders, nine defensemen, and 35 forwards. And among that elite group are eight players who wore the Whalers’ green or the Hurricanes’ red and black:
Paul Coffey (HFD 1996-97, CAR 1998-2000): One of the most electrifying defensemen to ever play the game, Coffey brought speed and offensive firepower from the blue line that was ahead of its time. His brief stints with both Hartford and Carolina came late in his career, but his CHL and NHL legacy is unquestioned.
Ray Ferraro (HFD 1984-91): Known for his scoring touch and sharp hockey IQ, Ferraro’s time in Hartford was marked by consistency and leadership. Before his NHL days, he lit up the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings, setting the stage for a long pro career.
Ron Francis (HFD 1981-91, CAR 1998-2004): The face of the franchise for two decades, Francis was the heartbeat of both the Whalers and Hurricanes. A CHL standout with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, he brought that same playmaking brilliance and quiet leadership to the NHL, ultimately becoming one of the league’s all-time assist leaders.
Taylor Hall (CAR 2025-Present): The only active Hurricane on the list, Hall’s junior days with the Windsor Spitfires were nothing short of dominant. A two-time Memorial Cup champion and first overall NHL Draft pick, Hall’s addition to Carolina in recent years has added a dynamic layer to the team’s forward group.
Chris Pronger (HFD 1993-95): A towering presence on the blue line, Pronger’s time in Hartford was just the beginning of a Hall of Fame career. Known for his physicality and two-way game, he was a force in the OHL before becoming one of the NHL’s most feared defensemen.
Brian Propp (HFD 1993-94): Though his time in Hartford was brief, Propp’s junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings was legendary. He carried that scoring touch into the NHL, becoming one of the most consistent offensive producers of his era.
Mark Recchi (CAR 2005-06): A seasoned veteran by the time he joined Carolina, Recchi’s CHL roots trace back to the Kamloops Blazers. His leadership and experience helped guide the Hurricanes during a pivotal stretch, and his place on this list is well-earned.
Brendan Shanahan (HFD 1995-97): Before becoming a front-office staple, Shanahan was a power forward who could do it all - score, hit, and lead. His junior years with the London Knights were a preview of the impact he’d have in the NHL, including a memorable run in Hartford.
With the Top 50 players now officially announced, fans can have their say by voting to rank them from 1 to 50. The final rankings will be revealed later this spring, offering another chance to reflect on the incredible talent that’s passed through the CHL and, in many cases, the Hurricanes/Whalers organization.
This list isn’t just a celebration of junior hockey - it’s a reminder of how the CHL continues to shape the NHL’s future, one superstar at a time.