Injury Report: Jarvis Sheds 'No-Contact' Sweater

RALEIGH, N.C. - Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis hit another milestone on his road to recovery from offseason shoulder surgery on Thursday, practicing in a standard sweater for the first time this season after previously operating in a yellow "no-contact" jersey.

Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour called it another of several "good signs," noting that the team continues to follow the timeline and process laid out by the medical staff. Jarvis' return to game action remains a little ways ahead of him, but clearing the no-contact hurdle is a notable achievement.

"Yeah, it's probably the biggest step I've had so far, getting out of that (yellow jersey), being able to take contact now," said Jarvis. "So now it's just a matter of getting comfortable, making sure it's ready to go."

As for "getting comfortable," the 24-year-old says his repaired joint is holding up well through the first three weeks of practice.

"There's not much that really bothers it anymore, which is nice. Just easing into contact is the kind of the biggest step right now," he reviewed.

After leading the team in goals last season (32), Jarvis' absence left a hole at the top of the Canes' lineup to start the season. But his usual linemates Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov are doing their best to shoulder the load, leading the team with seven and four points, respectively.

"I think they've been aggressive. I think they've done a really good job of not really playing on the perimeter and being a little bit more direct with their offense," said Jarvis of Aho and Svechnikov. "I think shooting has been a big part, especially for Fishy. I think he can sometimes defer a little too much. He has a really good shot. So seeing him score, and Svechy get one last game, everyone knows he could score, so we know it's coming."

While six of their combined 11 points have come via the power play, at 5-on-5, that duo has found success while working alongside Eric Robinson and William Carrier, two players Jarvis is quick to credit for the line's hot start through four games.

"When it's Robbie, Robbie's done a great job with his speed, and with Cares, I think he opens up a little bit more ice for those guys to make plays and to get time to shoot the puck," he praised. "So it's been working really well. It's fun to watch."

Fun to watch that crew may be, but having to catch the action from press row or on television still weighs on Jarvis.

"Oh, a ton," he said when asked how much he's missed playing while watching his team from afar. "I miss going on the road with the guys. I'm not around them as much, which kind of sucks. It's been tough to watch, but they've been doing good, so I'm just happy we're having success."

That said, Jarvis remains an important figure in the locker room whether he's playing or not.

"We're on the ice a lot, but we're together a lot more when we're not on the ice. He's just a real good character and lovable guy, and a great player," said Brind'Amour. "But he's a good person. We love having him around."