With Carolina locked in to a playoff spot, they have recalled Joel Nystrom from Chicago (AHL) to allow some of their regulars to rest for their final game of the season. The 23-year-old defensemen last appeared in an NHL game on January 24th but still has 37 games played this season, picking up a goal and nine points to go alongside his +5 plus/minus.
Nystrom impressed in his NHL debut earlier this season, benefitting from injuries and scoring nine points (1G / 8A) in 37 games with the Hurricanes. Carolina has recalled him after spending the past few weeks with the Chicago Wolves (AHL).
In 33 games this season, his first exposure to the NHL, Nystrom has eight assists and is averaging 15:37 time-on-ice. He takes the roster spot of Noah Philp, who was placed on IR with a concussion.
In 33 games this season, his first exposure to the NHL, Nystrom has eight assists and is averaging 15:37 time-on-ice. He has impressed coaches, but with Jaccob Slavin (upper body) expected to return in Carolina's next game, Nystrom has been reassigned to the Chicago Wolves (AHL).
Nystrom was not expected to be a full-time presence on the Hurricanes' blueline this season, but injuries thrust him into a regular role that he has thrived in. The 23-year-old, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, is in his first NHL season and has four assists while averaging 16:02 time-on-ice through 23 games.
Nystrom did not play in Carolina's most recent game, but he will draw back into the lineup on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 23-year-old first-year blueliner is averaging 16:26 time-on-ice and has three assists in 21 games this season.
Nystrom was a seventh-round pick of the Hurricanes in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old defenseman has only played seven professional games in North America over the past two seasons, recording two points (0G / 2A) with the Chicago Wolves.
