The Hurricanes likely entered the season with the intention of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov splitting time between the pipes, but with Kochetkov battling an undisclosed injury, Andersen gets the easy call for their season-opening matchup against the New Jersey Devils. The 36-year-old Andersen has battled injuries recently and was limited to only 22 appearances last season (13-8-1), posting a 2.50 GAA and .899 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as -167 home favorites against a Devils team that finished the 2024-25 season mid-pack offensively, averaging 2.95 goals per game.

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.

The Hurricanes likely entered the season with the intention of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov splitting time between the pipes, but with Kochetkov battling an undisclosed injury, Andersen gets the easy call for their season-opening matchup against the New Jersey Devils. The 36-year-old Andersen has battled injuries recently and was limited to only 22 appearances last season (13-8-1), posting a 2.50 GAA and .899 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as -167 home favorites against a Devils team that finished the 2024-25 season mid-pack offensively, averaging 2.95 goals per game.

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.

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.

Smith only played 13 NHL games last season, split between the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche, and has been signed to a two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 27-year-old Smith has 22 points (9G / 13A) in 168 career games.

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.

After making his NHL debut in 2024-25 with Carolina, Ryan Suzuki has earned himself a one-year, two-way contract with the Hurricanes to come back to Chicago (AHL) for a sixth season. The 24-year-old was Carolina's 2019 1st round pick (28th overall) and he had 12 goals and 59 points in 69 games with Chicago last season. He is expected to return to the Wolves for the start of the 2025-26 season but will provide Carolina with depth throughout the year.