Carolina Hurricanes News

Kochetkov was absent from practice the past few days and will not suit up for Thursday's season opener against the New Jersey Devils. The 26-year-old Kochetkov posted a 2.60 GAA and .897 SV% in 47 appearances last season (27-16-3). Hurricanes' head coach Rod Brind'Amour stated that Kochetkov aggravated something in practice and "hasn't been getting better." If Kochetkov is unable to play, expect Frederik Andersen to be between the pipes.

Kochetkov was absent from practice on Wednesday and is questionable for Thursday's season opener against the New Jersey Devils. The 26-year-old Kochetkov posted a 2.60 GAA and .897 SV% in 47 appearances last season (27-16-3). If Kochetkov is unable to play, expect Frederik Andersen to be between the pipes.

Olivier-Joseph split time last season between the St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, averaging 15:16 time-on-ice and scoring three points (0G / 3A) in 47 games. The 26-year-old defenseman adds some depth to the Canucks' blueline but may have to wait to make his team debut as he recovers from injury.

With Joseph Woll (personal) away from the team, the Maple Leafs claimed Primeau off waivers to add some organizational depth to their crease. The 26-year-old Primeau was limited to only 11 games in the 2024-25 season (7-2-3), posting a forgettable 4.70 GAA and .836 SV%.

Chatfield was absent from practice on Monday due to an undisclosed injury but will likely be ready for Carolina's season opener on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 29-year-old Chatfield was effective in a shutdown role for the Hurricanes last season, averaging 18:53 time-on-ice and recording 18 points (7G / 11A).

Kotkaniemi was cleared for contact and returned to team practice on Monday, but it's unclear if he will be ready for Carolina's season opener on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 25-year-old Kotkaniemi, the third-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored 33 points (12G / 21A) in 78 games last season.

Kotkaniemi is inching closer to a return but still has not been cleared for contact. The 25-year-old Kotkaniemi, the third-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored 33 points (12G / 21A) in 78 games last season. It's unclear when he will return to full-contact drills at practice.

Slavin was absent as the Hurricanes opened camp on Thursday, with head coach Rod Brind’Amour explaining that Slavin felt some soreness after his summer training. “Until he says he’s 100%, we’re not going to put him out there,” Brind’Amour said. The team does not appear concerned about his availability for the season opener on October 9th.

Ryabkin was Carolina's 2025 2nd round pick (62nd overall) and has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes on Wednesday. The 18-year-old Russian forward impressed in his first season in North America with Muskegon (USHL) in 2024-25, putting up 19 goals, 30 points and 70 PIMs in 27 games played.

Blake still has a season left in his Entry Level Contract, but has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $5.625 AAV ($45M total) due to the new CBA rules that limit contracts to seven years starting in September. Blake had a standout rookie season in 2024-25, finishing ninth in Calder Trophy voting after putting up 17 goals, 34 points and a +10 plus/minus in 80 games played.

Carolina will bring Ronan Seeley back for a fourth season in the organization after the 22-year-old signed a one-year, two-way contract extension. The stay-at-home defensemen enjoyed a strong season in 2024-25 with Chicago (AHL), picking up three goals, 10 points and a -6 plus/minus in 69 games played. He is expected to spend 2025-26 back in Chicago.