Hurricanes season preview: Defending champions keep roster mostly intact

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins on Sept. 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Last season: 53-22-7, first in Metropolitan Division; won Stanley Cup

Coach: Rod Brind’Amour (ninth season)

Biggest challenge

After reaching the joyful culmination of eight seasons of hard work by winning the Stanley Cup, followed by an offseason of celebrations, the Hurricanes will be the opponent every team in the NHL measures themselves against this season. Carolina has rarely had trouble finding energy and motivation through the long grind of the regular season (now 84 games) under Brind’Amour, but avoiding the “Stanley Cup hangover” can be difficult once the initial excitement that accompanies the start of the season subsides. Being without forward Seth Jarvis, who underwent shoulder surgery in June that required 4-6 months to recover, will deprive the Hurricanes of one of their top forwards, as well as one of their best energy sources, who can drive them through slow days.

How they make playoffs

Carolina hasn’t missed the playoffs since Brind’Amour took over as coach in 2018, and it should have no problem extending that streak this season. How high the Hurricanes finish in the standings could depend on the play of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov, who will be the goaltending duo following Frederik Andersen’s departure to the Edmonton Oilers in free agency. Bussi will try to repeat his 2025-26 performance after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers. The 28-year-old burst onto the scene during the regular season (31-6-2, 2.47 goals-against average, .895 save percentage, two shutouts) before answering the call in the Stanley Cup Final (3-1, 1.60 GAA, .931 save percentage, one shutout) after Andersen was injured. Kochetkov, for his part, will have to prove he can stay healthy after a lower-body injury that required surgery limited the 27-year-old to nine NHL games last season (6-2-0, 2.33 GAA, .899 save percentage, one shutout).

Most intriguing addition

Defenseman P.O Joseph, who signed a one-year, $850,000 contract on Sept. 8, is the lone player the Hurricanes added this offseason who is likely to be on their opening night roster. A veteran of 225 NHL games, Joseph had six points (one goal, five assists) and averaged 13:18 of ice time in 31 games with the Vancouver Canucks last season. The 27-year-old will likely compete with Mike Reilly, who was re-signed to a one-year, two-way contract on Sept. 10, for Carolina’s extra defenseman spot.

Biggest potential surprise

Felix Unger Sorum, who turned 21 today, probably needs more seasoning with Chicago of the American Hockey League, but the forward will be among those competing for the temporary opening created by Jarvis’ injury. Unger Sorum jumped from 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 61 games as an AHL rookie in 2024-25 to a team-leading 66 points (17 goals, 49 assists) in 72 games last season, so it's possible he could force his way into an NHL job if he takes another step this season. He made his NHL debut in the Hurricanes' regular-season finale against the New York Islanders last season and had an assist in the 2-1 win.

Ready to contribute

Joel Nystrom showed he was NHL ready when he stepped in as a rookie and had 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 38 games last season, helping the Hurricanes survive their injuries on defense. The 24-year-old, who also had 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 37 AHL games with Chicago, could get another chance to play regularly in the NHL if restricted free agent Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Logan Stankoven, F: The 23-year-old set NHL career highs last season in goals (21) and points (44) before having a breakout postseason run. He led the Hurricanes with 11 goals, which were the second-most in franchise history in a single postseason, behind only Brind’Amour, who scored 12 in 2006. Stankoven, who scored seven goals in his final eight regular-season games, formed an elite second line with Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake. That trio combined for 25 goals and 55 points in 19 games during Carolina’s championship run. Per NHL EDGE stats, Stankoven ranked among the forward leaders in offensive zone time percentage (47.3; 97th percentile), mid-range shots on goal (70; 91st percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (60; 85th percentile) last season. Stankoven, who has solidified his role as Carolina’s No. 2 center, could carry that momentum over and far exceed his fantasy average draft position (141.6). -- Troy Perlowitz

Projected lineup

Andrei Svechnikov -- Sebastian Aho -- Jordan Martinook

Taylor Hall -- Logan Stankoven -- Jackson Blake

Nikolaj Ehlers -- Jordan Staal -- Jesperi Kotkaniemi

William Carrier -- Mark Jankowski -- Eric Robinson

Jaccob Slavin -- Jalen Chatfield

K'Andre Miller -- Sean Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere -- Alexander Nikishin

Brandon Bussi

Pyotr Kochetkov

Injured: Seth Jarvis (shoulder surgery)