Nikishin had to be helped off of the ice in the Hurricanes' series clinching win in Ottawa last Saturday, and will miss Game 1 vs. the Flyers as he continues to recover from a concussion. Mike Reilly will draw into the lineup to replace Nikishin.
Ehlers missed Game 4 vs. the Senators but was a full participant in practice the last two days, and is expected to play in Game 1 on Saturday night. Ehlers finished Round 1 with one assist and seven shots on goal in his three games.
Nikishin suffered a concussion on a devastating hit from Tyler Kleven in Game 4 vs. the Senators. But the week between games served him well, as Nikishin was in practice on Friday and the morning skate on Saturday. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he needs to clear one final concussion test in order to get cleared to play in Game 1. He's considered a game-time decision.
Miller missed Saturday's morning skate, but head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he was taking his option and anticipates him playing in Game 1 vs. the Flyers. Miller finished Round 1 with three assists in four games.
Nikishin had to be helped off the ice in Game Four against the Ottawa Senators and did not return after getting crushed by a hit from Tyler Kleven. Carolina Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour suggested that Nikishin is making progress and should be able to play when the team returns to action in the second round.
Nikishin had to be helped off the ice after getting crushed by Tyler Kleven. He returned with the team to Raleigh where he will continue the NHL’s protocol for a safe return to play. Nikishin is questionable to play in Game 1 of Round 2.
Deslauriers will make his Hurricanes' playoff debut in Game 4 after it was announced late that Nikolaj Ehlers would be out with a lower-body injury. Deslauriers appeared in 31 games between Carolina and Philadelphia this season, picking up two assists and 38 PIMs.
Carolina will be without a key top-six contributor on Saturday for Game 4 as they take on Ottawa without Nikolaj Ehlers (lower-body). The 30-year-old was a late scratch and will be replaced by Nicolas Deslauriers. Ehlers had an assist and 7 SOG through Carolina's first three games.
Stankoven is battling an illness and did not practice on Thursday, but will be hopeful to play when Carolina opens the postseason on Saturday. Stankoven has been an effective offensive contributor in his previous two postseasons and hopes to carry his late-season momentum into a deep playoff run for the Hurricanes. The 23-year-old has nine points (7G / 2A) during a six-game point streak.
Unger Sorum made his NHL debut on Tuesday, registering his first career assist on the first goal of the game. With Carolina's season over, Unger Sorum is one of six players returning to the AHL on Wednesday. The 20-year-old, second-round pick (No.62 overall in 2023) leads the Wolves in points (16G / 47A) in 69 games this season.
Nadeau appeared in 12 games with the Hurricanes this season, including four during this most recent call-up. Nadeau finishes the season with three goals and no assists, and returns to the Wolves, where he leads the team in goals (26) and is third in points (53).
Nystrom split his time between the AHL and NHL this season, finishing with 10 points (1G / 9A) in 38 NHL games. With the Hurricanes' season over, Nystrom is one of six players heading back to the AHL. He should be one of the first to return to Carolina should they need defenseman reserves in the playoffs.
Legault appeared in 12 games with the Hurricanes this season, scoring one goal with one assist (two points). With the Hurricanes' season over, he'll go to Chicago, where he has seven points (3G / 4A) in 22 games this season. He should be one of the first defensemen to return to the NHL should the Hurricanes be desperate for a defenseman call-up.
Seeley made his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Islanders, playing 15:12 TOI. With the Hurricanes' season over, he returns to the Wolves, where he's tied for the team-lead in goals among defensemen.
Bussi will be forced to start on back-to-back nights on Tuesday after the previously confirmed starter, Pyotr Kochetkov, was scratched due to what the Hurricanes are calling a roster technicality. Bussi and the Hurricanes are fresh off a narrow defeat on Monday, when he allowed just two goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old rookie has made 38 starts for the Canes this season, posting a 30-6-2 record and an .891 SV%.
Walker will join the long list of Hurricanes regulars who will get the night off for rest ahead of what the team hopes will be a lengthy playoff run.
Miller will join the long list of Hurricanes regulars who will get the night off for rest ahead of what the team hopes will be a lengthy playoff run.
Hall will join the long list of Hurricanes regulars who will get the night off for rest ahead of what the team hopes will be a lengthy playoff run.
