Carolina Hurricanes News

Frederik Andersen was near-perfect in the opening three rounds of the postseason, but has struggled in the Stanley Cup Finals, leading to Brandon Bussi relieving him in Game Three for his first postseason appearance in an eventual 5-4 overtime loss. The 27-year-old went on to make his first postseason start in Game Four, helping his team even the series at 2-2 with a 5-3 victory. Bussi has saved 36 of 40 shots (.900 SV%) in his two appearances and will likely return to the crease in a pivotal Game Five. The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as -151 home favourites against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Kochetkov will dress for the first time in these Stanley Cup Playoffs as Frederik Andersen is listed as a scratch. Kochetkov himself missed most of the regular season due to injury, appearing in just nine games.

Bussi will make his first start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday after relieving Frederik Andersen at the start of the third period in Game 3. Bussi stopped the first 18 shots he faced in that game before a bad-bounce in the second period of overtime resulted in a game-winning goal for Shea Theodore and the Golden Knights. The Hurricanes enter action in Game 4 at -110 on the money line.

The Hurricanes selected Fransen in the third round (No.69 overall) in 2024. The 20-year-old defenseman split the 2026 season between the SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan. He had one goal and one assist in 13 SHL games and added 14 points (6G / 8A) in 38 HockeyAllsvenskan games. GM Eric Tulsky said the Hurricanes are looking forward to seeing him in North America next season,” so expect him to report to the Chicago Wolves (AHL) next fall.

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.

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.

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.

Nikishin has not played since receiving a thunderous hit from Tyler Kleven of the Ottawa Senators nearly two weeks ago. That said, a break between play, Nikishin has only missed two games, and could return to the lineup for Game Three against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Even with Alexander Nikishin (concussion) unavailable, Legault sat as a healthy scratch in Game 1 vs. the Flyers. So he'll report to Chicago, who are in the middle of the Calder Cup Playoffs. This is also a sign that Nikishin is ready-to-go, but the Hurricanes will stick with what worked in Game 1.

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.

Nikishin had to be helped off of the ice in the Hurricanes' series clinching win in Ottawa last Saturday, and will miss Game 1 vs. the Flyers as he continues to recover from a concussion. Mike Reilly will draw into the lineup to replace Nikishin.

Ehlers missed Game 4 vs. the Senators but was a full participant in practice the last two days, and is expected to play in Game 1 on Saturday night. Ehlers finished Round 1 with one assist and seven shots on goal in his three games.

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.

Miller missed Saturday's morning skate, but head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he was taking his option and anticipates him playing in Game 1 vs. the Flyers. Miller finished Round 1 with three assists in four games.

Nikishin had to be helped off the ice in Game Four against the Ottawa Senators and did not return after getting crushed by a hit from Tyler Kleven. Carolina Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour suggested that Nikishin is making progress and should be able to play when the team returns to action in the second round.