Mendel had nine goals, 10 assists, 24 PIMs and a -11 plus/minus through 72 games with Chicago (AHL) in 2022-23 and has signed a one-year, entry level contract with Carolina. The 24-year-old towering defensemen has yet to make his NHL debut after joining Chicago (AHL) from Quinnipiac University (NCAA) in 2021-22.