"It's probably the biggest step I've had so far, being able to get out of that (noncontact jersey), being able to take contact now," said Jarvis, who won't play against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; HHN, CARNHL, SNP). "Now it's just a matter of getting comfortable and making sure it's ready to go."
The 24-year-old initially injured his shoulder during the 2023-24 season but opted to play through any issues the past two seasons, including 71 regular-season games and 19 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to help the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup last season. He also played five games for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
"The shoulder is good. It's doing well," Jarvis said. "There's nothing that really bothers it anymore, which is nice. Just easing into contact is the biggest step right now."
Eric Robinson and William Carrier have each played in Jarvis's usual spot on a line with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. Through four games, Aho has seven points (four goals, three assists) and Svechnikov has four points (one goal, three assists).
"I think they've been aggressive," Jarvis said. "They've done a really good job of not really playing on the perimeter and being a little more direct with our offense. I think shooting has been a big part, especially for (Aho). I think he can sometimes differ a little too much. He has a really good shot."
Jarvis led the Hurricanes with 32 goals last season and had 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in the playoffs.
"It's a good sign. There's a timeline, so we're just following that," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "He's feeling good, so just keep moving along."
