Season Preview – 12. Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are set to embark on the 2024-25 season aiming for their seventh consecutive playoff appearance, despite a significant offseason of departures and additions. Projected to finish 12th in the league, the team will be navigating new waters with a revamped roster and a shift in leadership at the general manager position. The Canes saw key players like Jake Guentzel, Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei, Stefan Noesen, and Teuvo Teravainen leave in free agency, while adding Sean Walker, Jack Roslovic, Shayne Gostisbehere, and William Carrier. The front office also made headlines by promoting Eric Tulsky to GM, replacing Don Waddell. Despite concerns about diminished offensive firepower, the team’s renowned defensive structure and a few key re-signings, such as Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin, have kept expectations high in Raleigh.

Season Expectations

The Hurricanes have firmly established themselves as one of the more consistent teams in the NHL, with playoff appearances each of the last six seasons, including multiple deep postseason runs. This season Carolina aims to be a playoff team once again, even with the loss of several key players. The departures of Jake Guentzel, Brett Pesce, and Brady Skjei in particular leave significant holes to fill both offensively and defensively, but the organization remains confident in their depth and system.

The Hurricanes ability to retain their stars, including Seth Jarvis with an eight-year, $63.2 million extension and Jaccob Slavin with a similar eight-year, $51.69 million deal, demonstrates their commitment to building a long-term core around defense and homegrown talent. These moves should help solidify the foundation as the team adapts to its new roster. While finishing 12th in the league may not reflect top-tier dominance, Carolina’s defensive structure and discipline will likely keep them competitive in a tough Metropolitan Division. Their trademark man-on-man defensive approach, a hallmark of Rod Brind’Amour’s coaching, will be their greatest asset.

The expectations remain clear: the Hurricanes are built to make the playoffs, and anything less would be considered a disappointment. However, there are concerns that they may not have the same offensive punch as in recent years, which could lead to some early-season struggles as they find their footing.

Projected Lines

The Hurricanes will stick to their disciplined man-on-man defense, built to limit opponents with tight coverage. Offensively, they’ll rely on a balanced, “score by committee” approach, with contributions spread throughout the lineup. Defensive pairings will focus on a blend of physicality and puck movement, ensuring a structured, cohesive game plan across all zones.

To clarify, these line projections are meant to only predict the start of the season. With so many potential combinations possible, its almost certain that there are tweaks and additions of new faces by the end of the year. Expect the season to start as such:

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis
Jack Roslovic – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Martin Nečas
Jordan Martinook – Jordan Staal – William Carrier
Eric Robinson – Jack Drury – Jackson Blake

Jaccob Slavin – Brent Burns
Dmitry Orlov – Jalen Chatfield
Shayne Gostisbehere – Sean Walker

Frederik Andersen
Pyotr Kotchetkov

Scratches: Brendan Lemieux, Bryce Montgomery

Line 1
With the departure of Guentzel in the summer, this line will have to come together and maintain a sense of urgency with consistency. They will be relied on heavily to produce on a nightly basis, and with the lack of secondary scoring, there is a lot of pressure on this line to perform. Last season, this line was only together for 32 games with a total of 63.5 minutes together. They were able to post ann impressive 61.8% xGoals For % and a substantial 1.23 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. While it was a limited showcase as a line, they proved they have the chemistry and IQ to be extremely effective. Svechnikov is a premier power forward in the league, he can skate, shoot, and throw his body around with ease. He will need to stay healthy since he has only played the full 82 games once in a season, and that dates back to his first year in the league. Aho is an elite center and one of the more under appreciated players in the NHL. His commitment to both ends of the ice makes him every coaches dream player. Jarvis broke out last year with 33 goals and 67 points in 81 games, which earned him a eight-year, $63.2 million extension this summer. Jarvis will just need to maintain his steady trajectory, and the future looks bright for one of Carolina’s top scorers.

Line 2
What seems like more a third line than a second, they will all have to step up into reliable secondary scoring options if the Canes are to have any success this season. With newcomer Roslovic jumping up into a top-six role, he will need to find a second gear when it comes to offense, as his career highs are 22 goals and 45 points. Kotkaniemi has been short of expectations since arriving in the NHL, and after signing a longterm deal a few seasons ago, he has failed to any offensive flair, maxing out at 43 points in his career. If he is able to gain more trust from the coaching staff, and find comfortability in a top-six role and special teams, this may be the year Kotkaniemi finally breaks out. Nečas has the speed, playmaking ability, and transitional awareness needed to flourish under the system the Canes are accustomed to. However, he has yet to earn the full trust of the coaching staff, and recent speculation suggests he wants out of Carolina. Nevertheless, this is the perfect opportunity for Nečas to grab a hold and showcase his talents for the entire league to see.

Line 3
This line could provide a much needed spark during games and defensive responsibility that will help stabilize the top-six lines as the season progresses. Martinook is a water bug out on the ice, and his undeniable compete level is one of the main heartbeats of this Canes team. He brings an element of leadership and maintains the culture for the team, and will look to continue to do so this season. Staal is the Canes captain, and rightly so. While he has lost a step over time, it is clear he has the respect of his teammates and will always leave everything he has on the ice any given day. He may find himself passed by Drury on the depth chart if a chance of pace is needed, but no doubt Staal will contribute everything he has to give. Carrier is another newcomer this year who found success with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is a perfect power forward type player that the Canes lacked since the departure of Noesen in the offseason. However, Carrier will not produce offensive numbers that Noesen did, but his ability to forecheck and drive the net will help the Canes in all situations.

Line 4
The announcement this summer that Jesper Fast would be out for the season left a hole on the fourth line. Fast is an elite penalty killer two-way forward, and the Canes have done a fair job replacing his abilities. Robinson is a big body who can skate extremely well. He has never been able to maintain his status as a full time NHL player, yet he fits the system well and will likely see success on the Canes energy line. Drury has the potential to move up and down the line up this year, even over taking Kotkaniemi if he falters. He is still growing into the player he is capable of being and it sounds as though the internal optimism is high for Drury. Blake is slotted in to start the season, but may find himself back in the AHL if the coaching staff needs more of an established veteran in his place. He is one of the Canes top prospects and while he brings an offensive element to a depleted lineup, there may be a need for a bigger body who can check as the season continues.

Pair 1
This pair was together for the most minutes for the Canes last year. In total, they played 81 games with 1186 minutes, which ranked them 4th in the entire league for defensive pairing time on ice. Even with the amount of time together as a pair, they managed to produce an elite 57% xGoals For % along with a net 0.74 xGoals For per 60 Minutes. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour relies heavily on this two, and while both players are getting older, it is evident they are an effective first pair across the league. Slavin is one of the most underrated defensemen in the league because he doesn’t put up the offensive stats that his counterparts do. However, the amount of time he plays shutting down opponents top players without hurting his team or taking penalties is downright astonishing. Burns still has his offensive production that he has maintained throughout his long tenured career. His big frame and shot from the point gives the Canes another option on the powerplay or simply maintaining offensive zone possession. Look for this pair to carry most of the workload again for the Canes and continue to go under the radar as far as their comparables.

Pair 2
This was the Canes third pairing last season, while they played in a more shelter role last year, they are expected to use their chemistry to slot right into a more responsible role. Their numbers from last season were great overall where they posted an underrated 59.4% xGoals For % and a net 0.87 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes in a total of 843.5 minutes together. Orlov is still a first class two-way defenseman who has transitioned seamlessly into Carolina’s defensive system. He can produce offensively when asked upon, or provide a strong defensive presence when the game calls for it. Chatfield on the other hand, has slowly morphed himself into a trustworthy defensive-first defenseman since he earned his spot two seasons ago. While they may not be the flashiest second pair in the league, the fact the the coaching staff already know how to handle their minutes together, will go a long way in a long season.

Pair 3
Both defenseman newcomers this year will find a role side by side on the third pair. What is really intriguing is that they could easily be a second pair if more offense is needed for certain matchups. Gotsisbehere is in his second stint with the Canes, and when he was acquired during the trade deadline a few seasons ago, he posted 10 points in 23 games with Carolina. He will look to mimic this production, while aiming to find a consistent top-four role once the season starts to take form. Walker found his stride last year putting up a career high 29 points between the Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche. That success earned him a five-year, $18.0 million contract with the Canes during free agency. While his value has only sky rocketed since last season, he will be determined to not only earn his new contract’s worth, but also provide reliable and trustworthy minutes for an elite defensive core.

Goalies
There was a goalie carrousel last season in Carolina due to the absence of Andersen as he dealt with injuries. The Canes played a total of five goaltenders, and relied heavily on Kotchetkov as he played a career high 42 games. They will take a more tandem approach this year, with Andersen set to return fully-healthy and Kotchetkov looking to take strides in hopes to take the starter role as his own. Yet, they will need to be better this year, and with an elite defensive group in front of them, they should be able to succeed even if they have off nights. Andersen was able to post a 12.2 Goals Saved Above Expected last year, and if he can stay healthy and maintain that level of production, the Canes can rely on him possibly as the post-season looms. Since Kotchetkov was thrusted into a starters role last year, he was able to play mediocre with a 0.7 Goals Saved Above Expected. Since he has gained that heavy workload experience, he will need to take a step forward in the analytics if he wants a shot at being the Canes long-term solution in net.

Scratches
The Canes have a plethora of forward depth in the minors, but will likely carry Lemieux throughout the season, just for injury sake. He is a brink NHL bottom-six player, and with a sheltered role he can provide energy and checking in certain matchups. Montgomery was a surprise success story from the Canes pre-season camp and made earned a spot as the seventh defenseman on the team. Whether or not he stays full time on the roster as an option, it is a nice story to see a young players development take large strides like Montgomery’s did. Nevertheless, don’t expect him to play many games if health remains amongst the top defenders.

Keys to Success

For the Hurricanes to succeed this season, they will need to rely heavily on their defensive structure and the leadership of their remaining veterans. The loss of Guentzel, Pesce, Skjei, Noesen, and Teravainen means that newcomers will need to fill significant roles. Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere will be tasked with solidifying the blue line alongside stalwarts like Slavin, Chatfield and Dmitry Orlov. Walker’s defensive reliability and Gostisbehere’s offensive creativity from the back end should offer a balanced combination, but they’ll need time to acclimate to Carolina’s system.

Up front, Roslovic and Carrier bring experience and versatility, though neither is expected to replace the production of players like Teravainen or Guentzel. Instead, Carolina will depend on continued growth from within. Jarvis, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will need to step into a larger offensive role, and his new long-term deal reflects the team’s belief in his potential to do just that. Martin Nečas, on a fresh two-year extension, will also need to elevate his play to help carry the offensive load, particularly in clutch situations. Both Jarvis and Nečas have the talent to produce consistently, and the Hurricanes will count on them to take on more responsibility.

Head coach Brind’Amour’s system is predicated on discipline, defensive responsibility, and quick transitions, which has allowed the Hurricanes to maintain their competitiveness in recent years, even without elite offensive firepower. This season, that structure will once again be their most valuable asset. Carolina’s ability to shut down opponents in the neutral zone and stymie high-flying offenses with their man-on-man scheme will be critical to their success. Goaltending, as always, will be a key factor, and a stable tandem between the pipes is necessary for the team to handle the ups and downs of an 82-game season, and eventually playoffs.

Potential Downfall

The biggest question mark for the Hurricanes heading into this season is whether they have enough offensive firepower to contend with the top teams in the league. Losing Guentzel, who was a consistent scoring threat, and Teravainen, one of their most versatile forwards, leaves the team short on proven goal-scorers. Noesen also provided valuable secondary scoring, and without those players, Carolina may struggle to put the puck in the net on a consistent basis.

While the defense remains strong, there is concern that Carolina’s offense may not be able to keep pace with the league’s best teams. Roslovic and Carrier add depth, but they are not known for being prolific scorers. Without significant offensive contributions from players like Jarvis, Nečas, or Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the Hurricanes could face scoring droughts that put extra pressure on their defense and goaltending.

Another potential downfall lies in the transition to new leadership in the front office. Eric Tulsky is highly respected for his analytics-driven approach, but the shift from Don Waddell, who had a proven track record, introduces a level of uncertainty. Tulsky’s ability to navigate the trade market and roster adjustments will be tested, especially if the team struggles offensively or faces injuries. If Carolina cannot find ways to manufacture goals or if their new acquisitions don’t fit into Brind’Amour’s system as hoped, the Hurricanes might find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff seeding.

Future Outlook

The Hurricanes are set up for long-term success, thanks to a deep pipeline of young talent, many of whom could have an impact as early as this season. Leading the charge is defenseman Alexander Nikishin, a highly touted prospect with superstar potential. Nikishin has the size, mobility, and offensive instincts to become a cornerstone on Carolina’s blue line. His all-around game makes him an ideal fit in the Hurricanes system, and he could quickly establish himself as a key contributor on defense.

On the offensive side, Bradly Nadeau and Jackson Blake are two of Carolina’s most exciting forward prospects. Nadeau is a dynamic playmaker with high-end vision and goal-scoring ability, projected to be a top-six forward in the near future. Blake brings creativity and a high hockey IQ, traits that could allow him to flourish in the Hurricanes structured, fast-paced system. Both players have the potential to provide a much-needed offensive spark as Carolina looks to develop new scoring options.

Scott Morrow, another highly regarded defensive prospect, offers a different dimension with his offensive instincts from the blue line. Known for his ability to jump into the play and quarterback the power play, Morrow could provide valuable offensive support from the back end, complementing the defensive stability Carolina is known for.

Beyond these top-tier prospects, the Hurricanes system is filled with talent. Players like Gleb Trikozov, Felix Unger-Sorum, Jayden Perron, and Nikita Artamonov all bring high-impact potential, offering versatility and skill to round out Carolina’s future lineup. With such a strong crop of young players, the Hurricanes are well-positioned to stay competitive for years to come, blending veteran leadership with emerging stars.

Final Thoughts

The Carolina Hurricanes head into the 2024-25 season with a blend of optimism and caution. Their defensive system, led by veterans like Slavin and supported by the coaching of Rod Brind’Amour, will remain one of the strongest in the league. However, their ability to score consistently and replace the offensive output lost in free agency will be critical to their success.

While they are projected to extend their playoff streak, they will need young players to step up and new acquisitions to fit seamlessly into their system. Eric Tulsky’s first year as GM will also be under scrutiny, as his decisions could shape the course of the season. Ultimately, Carolina has the structure and discipline to remain a playoff team, but whether they can contend for a deep run will depend on how well they adapt to their new-look roster and whether their offense can rise to the occasion.