Assuming the Carolina Hurricanes keep the 14th overall pick in the NHL draft -- instead of trading up, down or out of the first round entirely -- here are a few players likely to be under consideration in that spot:

JOSH BAILEY

C, WINDSOR (OHL), 6-1, 180

Hard-working, two-way center may not have a ton of scoring upside but would be a safe pick and could emerge as an NHL playmaker. A character guy who is future captain material.

ZAC DALPE

RW, PENTICTON (BCHL), 6-1, 170

This Ohio State-bound scoring winger was passed over in Ontario but saw his stock skyrocket after a 6-inch growth spurt. Scouts like his hustle and work ethic, although he needs to bulk up.

COLBY ROBAK

D, BRANDON (WHL), 6-3, 193

As the Canes look to build a more mobile, versatile defense, Robak has the skating ability and offensive instincts they're seeking. Lacks a physical edge, which has some scouts down on him.

KYLE BEACH

C, EVERETT (WHL), 6-3, 203

A mean and angry agitator, Beach also has the skill to play in the NHL. But scouts wonder whether he can control his aggression and worry about his history of concussions. A boom-or-bust pick who could go fifth or 15th.

LUCA SBISA

D, LETHBRIDGE (WHL), 6-1, 176

Left his native Switzerland to play junior hockey in Canada. Swiss national coach Ralph Krueger is a part-time Carolina scout, so the Canes shouldn't have any questions about this two-way defenseman.

MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO

D, OSHAWA (OHL), 6-0, 211

Once considered one of the handful of great defensemen in this draft because of his offensive instincts and ability, Del Zotto fell down the rankings because he isn't as good defensively as his top-five peers.

THE FOURTH STAAL BROTHER

The first three Staal brothers each went in the first half of the first round -- Eric second in 2003, Marc 12th in 2005 and Jordan second in 2006 -- but the youngest, Jared, could have a longer wait.

There's no guarantee Jared Staal will be picked in the first round tonight, which would deny the Staal family a spot in hockey history. Only the Sutter family has had four brothers taken in the first round.

The NHL's Central Scouting Service ranks Staal 43rd among North American skaters. The Hockey News ranks him 31st overall, TSN has him 50th, and the Red Line Report rates him 114th.

Though he may move up in the draft based on his name alone, there's an outside chance Staal could be available when the Hurricanes come up in the second round, 45th overall. That could make for an interesting discussion at the draft table.