Riley Nash is the Canes' first option to take over the No. 2 center spot in place of the injured Jordan Staal, according to Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer.

Nash is the Canes' first option to take over the No. 2 center spot in place of the injured Jordan Staal, according to Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer.

Analysis:

This is a great opportunity for Nash to finally be used in more of a scoring role after playing primarily as a checking line center the last few years. So far in the preseason, he has been skating on a line with Elias Lindholm and Jeff Skinner, two of the Canes' more skilled wingers. If this combination sticks, Nash could be primed to take a big step forward this season. At this point, he's worthy of a late-round sleeper pick selection in deeper drafts.