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Carolina Hurricanes News

The Hurricanes have signed Charlie Cerrato to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Cerrato was a second-round pick, 49th overall, of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old forward recently completed his second season with Pennsylvania State University, where he scored 27 points (7G / 20A) in 23 games. Most recently, he was on a professional tryout with the Chicago Wolves (AHL), helping him earn his entry-level contract.

Charlie Cerrato
Carolina has signed Mark Jankowski to a two-year contract worth $1.85 million AAV ($3.7 million total).

Jankowski has had trouble being an NHL regular in recent years, but found a home in Carolina this season, and has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension. The 31-year-old forward scored 21 points (11G / 10A) this season in 68 games, his highest total since 2018-19.

Mark Jankowski
Andersen will start Game 3 in Philadelphia.

Despite coming off of unquestionably the worst regular season of his career, Andersen continues to impress in the 2025-26 postseason. The veteran 36-year-old goalie was outstanding once again in Game two against the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime win to give his team a 2-0 series lead. In six games this postseason (6-0), he has a near-perfect 1.02 GAA and .958 SV%. The Hurricanes hope to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, entering Game Three as -163 road favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Reilly is expected to be a healthy scratch for Game 3 vs. Philadelphia.

Alexander Nikishin (concussion) will return to Carolina's lineup for Game Three, sending Reilly to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. In two games this postseason, the 32-year-old Reilly is averaging 12:55 time-on-ice and has two assists.

Mike Reilly
Nikishin (concussion) is expected to draw back into Carolina’s lineup for Game 3.

Nikishin has not played since receiving a thunderous hit from Tyler Kleven of the Ottawa Senators nearly two weeks ago. That said, Nikishin should return to the lineup for Game Three against the Philadelphia Flyers. Mike Reilly will exit the lineup to accommodate Nikishin's return.

Alexander Nikishin
Andersen is in the starter’s crease ahead of Game 3 vs. Philadelphia.

Despite coming off of unquestionably the worst regular season of his career, Andersen continues to impress in the 2025-26 postseason. The veteran 36-year-old goalie was outstanding once again in Game two against the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime win to give his team a 2-0 series lead. In six games this postseason (6-0), he has a near-perfect 1.02 GAA and .958 SV%. The Hurricanes hope to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, entering Game Three as -163 road favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Andersen will start Game 2 against the Flyers.

Andersen stopped all 19 shots that he faced in the Hurricanes' 3-0 shutout win over the Flyers in Game 1. It was another dominant performance from the Hurricanes and another great effort from the veteran netminder, who carries a 5-0-0 record, 0.90 GAA, .961 SV% and two shutouts into Game 2. The Hurricanes are monstrous -255 favourites on home-ice.

Frederik Andersen
Nikishin skated prior to Game 2 but will not return to Carolina's lineup vs Philadelphia on Monday.

Just like he did in Game 1, Nikishin was on the ice for Monday's morning skate but will not play in Game 2. This is likely a combination of taking caution with a concussion and not wanting to change a lineup that won 3-0 in Game 1. Nikishin should be ready to go in Game 3 should the Hurricanes require his services.

Alexander Nikishin
Andersen is expected to start Game 2 vs. the Flyers.

Andersen stopped all 19 shots that he faced in the Hurricanes' 3-0 shutout win over the Flyers in Game 1. It was another dominant performance from the Hurricanes and another great effort from the veteran netminder, who carries a 5-0-0 record, 0.90 GAA, .961 SV% and two shutouts into Game 2. The Hurricanes are monstrous -255 favourites on home-ice.

Frederik Andersen
Andersen will start Game 1 vs. the Flyers.

Fresh off an impressive four-game sweep over the Ottawa Senators, the Hurricanes will return from a week-long break, turning to Andersen to tend the twine in Game One against the Philadelphia Flyers. After arguably the worst season of his career, Andersen's presence in Carolina's crease this postseason was uncertain, but he has rewarded Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour for his decision thus far. In four games this postseason (4-0), Andersen has an elite 1.10 GAA and .955 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Game One on Saturday as sizeable -208 home favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Nikishin (concussion) will be a game-time decision for Game 1 vs. Philadelphia.

Nikishin suffered a concussion on a devastating hit from Tyler Kleven in Game 4 vs. the Senators. But the week between games served him well, as Nikishin was in practice on Friday and the morning skate on Saturday. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he needs to clear one final concussion test in order to get cleared to play in Game 1. He's considered a game-time decision.

Alexander Nikishin
Andersen is expected to start Game 1 vs. the Flyers.

Fresh off an impressive four-game sweep over the Ottawa Senators, the Hurricanes will return from a week-long break, turning to Andersen to tend the twine in Game One against the Philadelphia Flyers. After arguably the worst season of his career, Andersen's presence in Carolina's crease this postseason was uncertain, but he has rewarded Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour for his decision thus far. In four games this postseason (4-0), Andersen has an elite 1.10 GAA and .955 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Game One on Saturday as sizeable -208 home favourites.

Frederik Andersen