News Hurricanes Team Notes

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Carolina Hurricanes linked to signing Michael McLeod

If you didn’t keep track of the Hockey Canada drama over the past few years, it’s understandable. Katie Strang’s story gets extremely detailed, and if you find the details triggering you would be right to avoid the story. The investigation took a long time, took many twists and turns, and the final of those turns concluded this summer. The five players accused and charged were found not guilty.

Of the five players, some had NHL careers that were interrupted by their arrest and subsequent trial. Most are familiar with Carter Hart, the former goalie of the Philadelphia Flyers, but also Center Michael McLeod had been a regular with the New Jersey Devils prior to his arrest. With the verdict, the natural follow up question was if they would be allowed to resume those careers and what sort of restrictions would apply if they did. The NHL would go on to decide that as they were found not guilty they would be allowed to resume their carrers. They can officially sign with teams on October 15th and then actually take the ice with the team that signs them on December 1st, effectively creating a two year suspension.

The ultimate question was who would even want to take any of these players on? Hart was the primary focus as he was playing at a solid level before the arrest, but it turns out the first one to be linked to a team is McLeod.

Per sources, there is an expectation free agent forward Michael McLeod will be joining the Hurricanes this season. Carolina also checked on Carter Hart, as I and others have previously reported.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 18, 2025

The reaction on social media was strong from those that had followed along with the story. Multiple fans echoing the idea that if the Canes follow through on the signature that they feel the squad had crossed a red line and it would end their support for the team. Multiple fans claimed to be reaching out via any method they can, including through their phone number and email address, to let the team know that McLeod was not worth signing.

McLeod is a 6’2” center, and that’s a position the Canes are short—witness Logan Stankoven being tried out as the second line center on day one of camp. He played parts of six seasons with the New Jersey Devils. His highest goal production had been during the abridged 2020-21 season when he had nine for the Devils, but then he hit ten for them in the 2024 season, again prior to the arrest. He was already at 19 points 45 games in, so it he was setting up to best his career high of 26 points before he was arrested.

With McLeod not able to be officially signed until October 15th, there’s a question about whether or not the Canes will ever comment on the rumor—mostly because if he can’t be signed you can’t comment on a player. This may be what the team uses to deflect attention from it during training camp, but the question remains whether the headache is worth it. The upper management of the Canes sees to have convinced themselves that their way to win is to take distressed assets at a discount and get the best out of them. The NHL has provided cover by saying the players “expressed regret” but ultimately it doesn’t hide all of the details that got into the public.

On a practical level it also doesn’t make a ton of sense as the upper roster is full right now to the point where the Canes barely offered anyone a PTO for this year’s training camp. Only Bradly Nadeau has a real shot of making the team of the players outside the main roster. It’s also extremely unlikely that should he be signed that Mcleod would join the club immediately as his only professional experience since the arrest was the 2024/25 season in the KHL. There he played only 44 games, scoring seven goals and registering 20 assists. At best he would be another body in Chicago, and maybe the hopes were that he would play with something to prove to be a depth piece.

Either way, it’ll be interesting to see if the uproar with the Canes continues as fans have the opportunity to let management know prior to October 15th. It’s possible the club will just let this go and never say word one about it.

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/latest-news/51495/carolina-hurricanes-linked-to-signing-michael-mcleod

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Lightning @ Hurricanes – Preseason Game One

The preseason starts tonight for the Carolina Hurricanes. They will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Lenovo Center with a game time of 7 P.M.

Look for a prospect heavy line up for both teams. Although, Alexander Nikishin and Logan Stankoven are both scheduled to play.

Nikishin is still acclimating his game to the North American style while Stankoven has been trying out time at center and will most likely be at that position tonight.

Regulars, Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake are also on the line up sheet to play.

The #Canes have announced their roster for Monday’s exhibition opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Lenovo Center. pic.twitter.com/z12hQeatN5

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 21, 2025

Of course it will be interesting to see how the prospects do. This is another chance for highly rated players like Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum to show their skills.

Ruslan Khazheyev and Cayden Primeau should be splitting time in net.

Their will be no rest with the schedule kicking up and the Canes will be playing the Panthers at home on Wednesday night.

Check the Hurricanes homepage for streaming or other options for watching the game.

Official Carolina Hurricanes Website | Carolina Hurricanes

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/2010-2...51508/lightning-hurricanes-preseason-game-one

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Lightning 2, Hurricanes 1

The Carolina Hurricanes lost their first exhibition game on Monday night by a 2-1 score to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The home team had some good moments but could not score enough to overcome the Bolts, who took advantage of their opportunities in this game.

Cayden Primeau played the entire game in goal for Carolina and played well. He made 18 saves on 20 shots faced and made a couple of grade A saves.

After the game I asked him if he was assigned number 55 by the team or if he selected it himself.

He smiled when he replied that there was a listing of available numbers to choose from and he chose that one. For those who might not remember, that was the number his father wore when he played for Carolina.

Primeau mentioned that his grandfather is not doing very well right now, so he is wearing the number as a tribute of sorts for him as well.

The goalie was acquired by Carolina over the offseason from Montreal for a 7th round draft pick. He went 21-2-3 in the AHL last season and played a total of 55 games for the Canadiens over his career.

The Canes fell behind with just a fraction of a second left in the opening period when the Bolts had a player with a wide open chance after a turnover.

The visitors made it, 2-0 when they scored a powerplay goal in the second.

The Canes had several chances and outshot the Lightning, 30-20 but could not light the lamp until later in the third when Logan Stankoven tipped in a Kevin Labanc shot to put the home team on the board.

Earlier, Labanc made a silky sweet move to beat Tampa Bay goalie, Jonas Johansson, but the goal was disallowed after being challenged for offsides.

The forward is here on a tryout and I could see Brind’Amour liking him for his versatility and experience.

Alexander Nikishin stood out in this game as he collected his first preseason point. He also led the team with 23:08 of ice time, had two blocked shots and three hits, and played in all situations. He looks very comfortable at the point of the powerplay. “Boom” also had a booming hit which brought the crowd to life.

The Canes will take Tuesday off before returning for another preseason game on Wednesday, this time against Florida.

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/carolina-hurricanes-game-night/51514/lightning-2-hurricanes-1

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Panthers @ Hurricanes — Preseason Game Two

Perhaps the biggest event of the preseason happens Wednesday night as the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion—not to mention the team who has twice knocked the Canes out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Eastern Conference Finals round—Florida Panthers roll into Raleigh for what has become an Annual Community Night for the Canes.

Tickets for tonight’s game are only $11.73 a person. It’s advertised as $10 a person but there are always taxes and fees tacked on. More importantly for folks who have to budget, parking for tonight will be free. There will be people in the lots accepting donations to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, but the donation is completely voluntary. The ticket gains you entrance into Lenovo Center where you get to pick your seat—as long as it isn’t in the first through fifth rows by the glass as those seats went at a higher number and have sold out.

Befitting a major event like this, the Hurricanes released their roster for this game on Tuesday evening. It’s highlighted by the presumed main starter in net, their first line center, the player who’ll star in his own episode of Amazon’s Faceoff that’ll drop starting on October 3rd, and the big free agent pickup in the offseason.

The #Canes have announced their roster for Wednesday’s Community Preseason Game against the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center. pic.twitter.com/7QCzgENquO

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 23, 2025

We’ll see who Florida decides to bring up to Raleigh with them as this will only be their second preseason game as well, and they haven’t played at home yet. The Canes will head to Florida next week for their next to last game of the preseason where you’d expect more regulars to be on both rosters.

Note the special start time for this one-6 PM. Yes, 6 PM. Why it’s happening at 6 PM nobody knows but the puck drop will be at 6. This means lots are opening earlier, the gates are opening earlier, and so on.

For fans going you’ll probably be hoping to get a good look at the new view bar that’s on the 300 level, but you’re going to be out of luck. That area was still covered in black plastic during Monday Night’s game against Tampa. Still looking at two weeks before Opening Night, it’s likely they are going to wait to reveal the area until that night as a treat to fans who attend.

Things for this game will also sound a little different inside as all of the sponsorships for in-game items don’t start until the regular season, so things like the Power Play are just going to be…the Power Play. As this game is meant to send money to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, expect a lot of the breaks to be highlights of the work the Foundation has done in the past year—which includes Helene relief for Western North Carolina as we start to approach one year since then.

The game itself will again only be available to stream for Canes fans on Hurricanes.com. You’ll have to go to the main site and click the link to watch—once the team posts it we’ll share it with you here. Note the video will be the same feed fans see in the stands, and that feed is paired with the Hurricanes Radio Network Call of Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy. If you can’t stream, the radio call will be on the Triangle on 99.9 The Fan, or to stream from their app.

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/2010-2.../51519/panthers-hurricanes-preseason-game-two

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Panthers 4, Hurricanes 2

A packed Lenovo Center witnessed a great first two periods for the Carolina Hurricanes, as the annual Preseason Community Game was a rousing success. Unfortunately the lack of goalie depth was also on display as the Panthers roared back from a 2-0 deficit to take the game 4-2.

Tickets were General Admission at just $10 plus fees with fans able to sit anywhere, and the fans took advantage as they filled out every section. The atmosphere sounded closer to an important regular season game. The Panthers played their part by sending up a roster that will likely have no NHL regulars on it. Meanwhile the Hurricanes had their likely top line of Aho-Ehlers-Jarvis starting, as well as Jesperi Kotkaniemi centering a line with Andrei Svechnikov and top prospect Bradly Nadeau. Both lines showed out, though only one was able to score.

The Canes outshot the Panthers 17-3 in the first period, scored twice, and had about three minutes straight on the Power Play with a solid minute of 5-on-3. Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov kept the Canes off the scoresheet during the Power Play, but couldn’t hold them back the entire period.

Not long after the conclusion of the Power Plays, an odd sequence created the first Carolina goal. Mike Reilly blasted a shot from the blue line in on Tarasov, but in front of him the Canes’ Givani Smith and Florida’s Ben Harpur were jawing at each other. Ryan Suzuki was able to deflect the puck by Tarasov, followed immediately by Smith and Harpur fighting. The goal stood, and the Canes were off and running.

Six minutes later, Svechnikov fed a great pass from the board behind the goal to a wide open Kotkaniemi who didn’t hesitate to shoot, getting it by Tarasov. It was good to see the chemistry early as the the number two center position is one fans are keeping an eye on, and if Kotkaniemi can continue to produce it would answer a lot of questions. The Canes went into the locker room after the first up 2-0.

The second period was a little more disjointed as the Canes were called for their first two penalties of the night, and the kill did the job by keeping the Panthers off the board. Late in the second the Canes got another chance at the man advantage and again had a couple good looks, but were unable to connect. Through two periods the Canes had a 35-8 shot advantage but still led by a 2-0 score.

It looked like Andersen was going to play the whole game, but some action at the end of the second finished his night, and Amir Miftakov relieved him for the third, which is where the game went south for the Canes. After the game coach Rod Brind’Amour said the plan was to only play him half the game, but his lack of action necessitated him finishing out the period.

The Canes started the third with another empty Power Play—going 0-5 on the night. Not long after, Ben Harpur, Noah Gregor, and Michael Benning all scored to turn the game around for the Panthers. Gregor’s goal was perhaps the most egregious as it came off a misplay behind the net from Miftakov, and the puck landed right in Gregor’s stick for an empty net goal. Benning was able to just get one over the line to give the Panthers the lead, and then when the Canes pulled Miftakov, Jack Studnicka was credited with a empty netter when a clear trickled all the way into the cage.

Overall a lot of positives for the Canes and the crowd was entertained, but there’ll be a lot to look for from the third period.

The Canes are in action next on Friday Night in Tampa before wrapping up the home portion of the preseason against Nashville on Sunday.

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/2010-11-carolina-hurricanes-game-recaps/51537/panthers-4-hurricanes-2

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Carter Hart and Michael McLeod aren’t worth it.

The stories won’t go away that two players involved in the Hockey Canada Five trial this past summer are being pursued by Carolina. Following the story last week from David Pagnotta that the Canes were looking in on Center Michael McLeod, further reporting from reporters like Chris Johnston of The Athletic and Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report have now linked former Philadelphia Flyers Goalie Carter Hart with the Hurricanes. Then on Wednesday Night, while the Hurricanes were in the midst of their 4-2 Preseason loss to the Florida Panthers, former Canes beat writer Sara Civian—now of Bleacher Report and her own The Civ Report—dropped a post on X/Twitter that further explained the interest.

I've heard that Tom Dundon wants to get "justice" for these "young men" who he believes were wronged. Don't sue me I have one dollar https://t.co/WHZvZv78lM

— Sara (@SaraCivian) September 24, 2025

None of the players involved are allowed to register a deal with the NHL until October 15th, though they can actually agree to terms on a deal starting next Wednesday, October 1st. Said player can’t actually play with the club at the NHL level until December 1st.

Let’s get a few things noted here from the start:

• The Canes are clearly not the only team interested in players meaning that it is likely that at least these two will be given a chance by someone
• If what Civian heard is true, it is very unlikely you’re going to get anything from current members of the team or coaching staff by name on this because they typically don’t handle their business through the press.
• As mentioned last week, a lot of people are not chronically on-line and have very little idea of the full scope of allegations in this messy business.

In looking at the current roster for the Hurricanes and seeing the cost/benefit analysis of these two players I’m just left to say: these two are just not worth the cost.

We can sit here and debate the hows and whys of what led us to this point. I’m fully aware that I don’t have the capacity to speak as someone that might be triggered or affected by the discussion of the events. I’m also fully aware that not everyone who may have been affected by similar events are going to react the same way.

So when I say they aren’t worth the cost it’s not about what they did or didn’t do back in June 2018. It’s solely about what these two bring to the here and now and this roster construction of the Hurricanes when weighed with the ton of negativity they bring.

To some extent I do understand the interest in Hart. Unfortunately for Pyotr Kochetkov he hasn’t risen up to the point to where he’s shown he can be your first goalie. He has great periods and is chaos on ice, but also has bad stretches and by the end of last season just had fallen flat. Frederick Andersen has been great when he’s played—and he wasn’t the reason the Canes were knocked out of the playoffs last season—but his injury history and age mean he’s just not the long term answer.

Here’s the thing, though—Hart hasn’t played professionally anywhere since his suspension. When he signs, he hasn’t earned the right to be in an NHL net and in any other circumstance should at least spend a season in the AHL. Even with that, it’s not like he’s shown himself to be a better goalie than Kochetkov. His stats show him with a 96-93 record, a 2.94 GAA, and .906 save percentage. He started red hot but before his suspension cooled down to that .906 level. Kochetkov, meanwhile is 65-36 with a 2.47 GAA and .905 save percentage. He’s a year younger than Hart yet has only played in three full NHL seasons while Hart has played in six. In effect, you’d be signing another Kochetkov that’s older, not in playing shape, and carries baggage around that could affect his ceiling.

I alluded a little about McLeod last week, in that his ceiling may only be that of a fourth line center. While goalies develop at different rates, by the time you hit your mid 20’s as a forward there really isn’t much more room to grow, especially when you have four full NHL seasons under your belt and your chance to shine in a “lesser” league like the KHL didn’t really amount to much. He’s effectively a late added PTO that you stick in Chicago to bring up once in a while if you have an injury—and the Canes already have that or can easily get their hands on it without the baggage he carries.

The baggage for both is a real thing. There is a significant portion of the fanbase that is not happy that this element is potentially coming to the Canes, and it will only grow if the signings happen. This isn’t a summer signing that people will instantly forget, it’s right at the start of the season and then keeps coming in waves. You have the actual signing right as the season is getting off the ground—meaning every player in the locker room and every coach will have to answer for it. You’ll have the local media running “what is this trial that these players were involved in?” stories where details of the testimony will come out. This area is a very unique that where some will be angered at the actions in one direction, others will be in another, and either way it’s going to be a rough topic of conversation.

That’s just when the signing happens. Then you have when they first play in December, be it here or most likely in Chicago. For Hart you’ll have to make even more goaltender moves in order to allow him to get his desired playing time. The crease is already crowded, and as Amir Miftakov showed on Wednesday Night, they need to play somewhere to develop and get better. Let’s also not forget that whenever the team heads into a game in Canada, the media up there will swarm on the team to ask their feelings on the signings—if not force the team to make the players available to where they have to talk about it all again.

This isn’t a Tony D’Angelo situation, as much as folks would like to say it’s similar. These players have admitted to behavior that many aren’t going to agree with. This isn’t a social issue or one where there’s a locker room concern. The move is likely going to alienate many more fans, and create situations where home fans are audibly booing one of their own while they try to play. That doesn’t create a good product on the ice. It’s not like these two have shown themselves to be Igor Shesterkin and Sidney Crosby. Their skill level is obtainable in other ways, and without the need to have to defend it in the court of public opinion, with advertisers, or with the other players.

I hope Hart and McLeod realize that Carolina may not be the easy landing spot they were hoping for and that those that have opinions make them known to those who make decisions. Let the season start to play out. Too many teams think they are going to compete this year and then realize they, in fact, aren’t and moves can be made.

In short, let Carter Hart and Michael McLeod be someone else’s problem to explain away. This squad has too many feel-good stories on it to be overshadowed.

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/general/51568/carter-hart-and-michael-mcleod-arent-worth-it

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Hurricanes @ Lightning – Preseason Game Three Preview and Game Thread

The Carolina Hurricanes continue their preseason and visit the Tampa Bay Lightning for a game on Friday night.

Once again, they will present a very prospect laden roster.

The #Canes have announced their roster for Friday’s exhibition game in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/zyFiIEqGRu

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 25, 2025

They have Quapp and Miftakhov in net.

Kotkaniemi might find himself as first line center in this one.

Will Givani Smith keep his fighting major streak going?

Nikishin gets another chance to acclimate into the team’s system.

For those of you who have not been able to watch a game yet, the game is scheduled to be on ESPN+.

Also, check the Hurricanes or Lightning home page for a link to any streaming if you do not have access to ESPN+.

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/2010-2...-preseason-game-three-preview-and-game-thread

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Lightning 6, Hurricanes 5

The Carolina Hurricanes never gave up and even scored a goal with 10 seconds left, but eventually fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 6-5, on Friday night in Tampa.

The Canes had mostly a line up of non-NHL players and it often looked like it, but the team continued to fight on.

Prospect goalie, Amir Miftakhov, went the distance for the Canes and he allowed 6 goals on 28 shots.

Carolina’s special teams were less than special as they went 0-7 on the powerplay and allowed 2 goals on 3 penalty kill attempts. One of the powerplays was a long 5 on 3 advantage but the Canes did not get a sniff.

Tyson Jost had a team high 22:05 of ice time and also had 5 shots on goal with three hits.

Alexander Nikishin was next up with 21:49. He led the team with 4 blocked shots.

The scoring was spread out as Givani Smith, Gleb Trikozov, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Noel Gunler, and Bradly Nadeau lit the lamp.

Smith did not have a fighting major in this game but made a presence in front of the net. On top of his goal, he had a team high 7 hits. He was also battling in the paint which led to the goal by Nadeau late.

Kotkaniemi took a stick to the face late in the game and left the game. There was no report on his status as of this posting.

The 0-3 Canes will not practice on Saturday but will return to home ice for another tilt, this time against the Nashville Predators on Sunday night.

https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20252026/GS010040.HTM

https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20252026/ES010040.HTM

NHL GameScore Impact Card for Carolina Hurricanes on 2025-09-26: pic.twitter.com/NL7nuNcTGj

— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) September 27, 2025

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/about-last-night/51601/lightning-6-hurricanes-5

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Predators @ Hurricanes – Preseason Game Four Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes will try to earn their first win of the preseason as they battle the visiting Nashville Predators tonight at the Lenovo Center. Game time is 7 P.M.

It looks like some regulars will get some action tonight according to the released line up.

The #Canes have announced their roster for Sunday's exhibition game at Lenovo Center against Nashville. pic.twitter.com/AOAxbmgGV0

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 27, 2025

The lines at the morning skate looked like the following.

Here's how the #Canes' game group looks this morning –

Martinook – Staal – Carrier
Nadeau – Stankoven – Blake
Robinson – Brind'Amour – Unger Sorum
Jost – Suzuki – Labanc

Seeley – Walker
Fensore – Legault
Heimosalmi – Badinka

Cayden Primeau is in what is normally the starter's… pic.twitter.com/CGR9u8f7pR

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 28, 2025

Cayden Primeau is in the starter’s crease for the home team.

Walt Ruff is also reporting that Coach Brind’Amour thinks that Kotkaniemi will be “okay” after getting a stick to the face on Friday night.

This is the final home preseason game for the Canes as they take their make shift rosters on the road the rest of the way.

Bradly Nadeau has played in all of Carolina’s preseason games as they obviously are taking a good look at him. So has Kevin LaBanc, who is here on a tryout basis.

Logan Stankoven will get another look-see at the center position.

Look for streaming options and corresponding links to be released closer to puck drop. I do not have any information about the Nashville lineup.

Check – https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/

A link to Carolina’s team preview is below.

https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/preseason-preview-september-28-vs-nashville

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/2010-2...dators-hurricanes-preseason-game-four-preview

 

[Carolina Hurricanes]

Hurricanes 4, Predators 2

Bradly Nadeau scored twice for the home team and Caden Primeau picked up the win in net as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Nashville Predators by a score of 4-2, on Sunday night at the Lenovo Center.

Nadeau now has three goals this preseason and is making a strong case to make the team.

Felix Unger Sorum took a beauty of a pass from Eric Robinson to open the scoring for Carolina. This goal came less than a minute after a Nashville goal at about the seven minute mark of the first period.

In the second period, the Canes then scored a powerplay goal, (yes, a powerplay goal), when Jackson Blake found Nadeau who rifled in his shot.

Later in the third, Logan Stankoven found Nadeau again and the sniper made no mistake, giving the Hurricanes a 3-1 lead.

This time Nashville would answer with a goal but Charles Alexis Legault made a nice play and shot to give the Canes a two goal lead they would not relinquish.

The Canes outshot the Preds 38-20 and looked much better overall in this game.

Stankoven won 67% of his faceoffs, (10 out of 15).

There is no rest for the weary as the Hurricanes will travel to Florida on Monday to take on the Panthers.

Game Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20252026/GS010055.HTM

Event Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20252026/ES010055.HTM

NHL GameScore Impact Card for Carolina Hurricanes on 2025-09-28: pic.twitter.com/6jcLhz5Np2

— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) September 29, 2025

Interviews – https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0gma...a991sps2p8aa5w0qr0vt4iuq&e=1&st=lj132j27&dl=0

Source: https://www.canescountry.com/2010-11-carolina-hurricanes-game-recaps/51615/hurricanes-4-predators-2