The Carolina Hurricanes made some big cuts today, sending down Jake Bean and Alex Nedeljkovic to Charlotte among many others, while sending newly-signed prospect Ryan Suzuki back to Barrie. With the moves, just 29 players now remain in camp, so let’s take a look as to how we can expect things to play out.
CENTER
Sebastian Aho Jordan Staal Erik Haula Lucas Wallmark Clark Bishop
The centers are likely set. You can expect Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal to keep their roles and first and second-line center respectively, while Erik Haula will slot in nicely on the third-line. Lucas Wallmark will make for a good option on the fourth-line, while Bishop will compete to be a spare.
LEFT WING
Teuvo Teravainen Ryan Dzingel Warren Foegele Brock McGinn Brian Gibbons Max McCormick
Gibbons already cleared waivers, so preparations are in place for him to be sent down. McCormick could either stay or be sent down and it doesn’t make much of a difference as he’d only ever act as a spare (but you have to think the Hurricanes would keep Gibbons over McCormick).
RIGHT WING
Nino Niederreiter Andrei Svechnikov Martin Necas Jordan Martinook Julien Gauthier
The question is whether Julien Gauthier ends up on the opening night roster. He’s had a strong showing in camp but likely isn’t going to get a spot with playing time attached right off the bat. With 16 forwards remaining, he'll be competing against Bishop, Gibbons and McCormick for a spot. We don’t know if it’ll be 13 or 14 forwards kept, which could make the difference between Gauthier staying or going.
LEFT-SIDE DEFENSE
Jaccob Slavin Jake Gardiner Joel Edmundson Gustav Forsling Haydn Fleury
Slavin, Gardiner and Edmundson are getting the playing time but both Forsling and Fleury will be waiting for any opportunity to get into action. Forsling is likely sticking with the Hurricanes, while if Fleury stays, he may only be the No. 2 spare.
RIGHT-SIDE DEFENSE
Dougie Hamilton Brett Pesce Trevor van Riemsdyk Chase Priskie Roland McKeown
Like Gibbons, McKeown already cleared waivers and is expected to start the season in Charlotte. We know that Hamilton, Pesce and van Riemsdyk make for the three playing defense but it’s interesting to see Chase Priskie lasting this long into the preseason, although it’s unlikely he sticks with Carolina.
GOALTENDING
Petr Mrazek James Reimer Anton Forsberg
Nedeljkovic being sent down helps to figure out the goaltending situation at least a bit. I think the plan here is a Mrazek/Reimer duo, despite Forsberg having a good showing against Nashville. Regardless, Mrazek will have every opportunity to take the starter’s job and run with it.
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OTHER HURRICANES ARTICLES FROM SEPTEMBER