The media recently got some updates yesterday regarding the Carolina Hurricanes injuries, but the team will look a little different before players are cleared for return. There is a lot to consider for the coaching staff in these upcoming games. With many questions being posed, let’s dig in and analyze just what this means for the team going forward.
What We Know About the Recent Carolina Hurricanes Injuries
Pyotr Kochetkov
During the post-practice media availability at Invisalign Arena on Friday, head coach Rod Brind’Amour gave the press an update for the recent injuries on the roster. The most recent player to be injured was key goalie Pyotr Kochetkov. The Nyetminder had an awkward bump into the frame in Utah on Wednesday. Though in clear pain, he took a moment before pressing onward to the next play.
Shortly after the moment of injury, he allowed another goal which resulted in his absence from the crease due to the coaching staff’s concern. As noticed by his aggravation after being pulled from the ice from the bump-up in the net, he likely would have continued to play on through the injury if he had not been withdrawn. A notably tough player, Kochetkov has not often shied away from playing if injured, especially if he feels he is needed by the team at a crucial point. Throughout the past several games, in which he achieved a seven-game win streak, he has played extremely well, despite sporting a splint due to a broken finger.
While speaking to the press, Kochetkov was the first that Brind’Amour discussed. Upon being asked about the goaltending situation, he stated that Kochetkov had missed practice and believes it will be unlikely to see him play in the upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators. However, he did mention that he believed the injury should not keep him out long.
Seth Jarvis
The next player he spoke on was forward Seth Jarvis. Prior to the game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, it was announced that the Manitoba Madman would miss the game due to an upper-body injury. The announcement sparked concern in the Caniac Nation, as the majority of last season he spent on the ice with a torn labrum and rotator cuff. Ever since missing the game on Monday, he has remained out of the lineup.
While answering questions regarding Jarvis’ injury, Brind’Amour stated that he had originally figured he would only be out a few days. Now, the estimation is a week. Another very tough player, Brind’Amour mentioned having to “yank him out of the lineup” because he wanted to play, regardless.
Frederik Andersen
A player who has been sitting in the injured reserve for a while is Frederik Andersen. The Great Dane sustained an injury on October 26th, against the Seattle Kraken. His return was up in the air, with the goalie being listed as week-to-week. However, now after Brind’Amour’s update, an estimated time of return is unknown.
AUDIO: Rod Brind'Amour addressed the media following practice on Fridayhttps://t.co/ojmXnsudWE
— Hurricanes PR (@CanesPR) November 15, 2024
What Do These Carolina Hurricanes Injuries Mean for the Team
It means a lot anytime a player is absent from a team due to injury. However, the way the team will respond to it will be key in the coming games. Now comes the time to pull out the magnifying glass and take a hard look at each of the players brought into the fold, and any potential next-in-line players, who could be brought in, if needed.
Minding Twine with Spencer Martin
Spencer Martin has been a true backup goalie throughout his NHL career. He has managed a save percentage of .885% and a goals-against average of 3.55 in 59 career games. Last season for the Carolina Hurricanes, he played six games and won four, with a save percentage of .896% and a GAA of 2.63. However, something notable though easy to miss is his steadily improving numbers each season.
Yaniv Perets
Yesterday, the Carolina Hurricanes recalled Yaniv Perets from the Chicago Wolves. Though he played in his first NHL game last season, he was only in net for 12 minutes and made a single save on the only shot launched at him in a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Last season, the young netminder played for the Carolina Hurricanes’ previous ECHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. There he managed a save percentage of .889% and a GAA of 2.99 across 34 regular season games played. So far this season with the AHL, he has managed a save percentage of .825% and a GAA of 3.67 across three games.
Looking Forward and Tyson Jost
Though officially playing with the Canes as a centreman, he has experience playing as a left wing. With proficiency in both roles, he is a good extra man to cover for absent forwards. Tyson Jost scored in his first game with the Canes in Vegas on Monday night.
Brendan Lemieux
For a primary left winger, Brendan Lemieux has typically been the usual choice for an extra in that position. Being rather notorious as a pest and instigator, he has over seven times the number of penalties in minutes compared to points, with 548 to 74. Despite that, his NHL experience and familiarity with the team would be likely reasons for recall.
Noel Gunler
For the right wing, it could be a real toss-up. However, an educated guess would assume Noel Gunler. Amongst the likes of Felix Unger-Sörum and Nick Swaney, Noel Gunler has been doing a bit better in comparison, including a decent 24-game stint with Kärpät in Finland on loan last season.
Getting Defensive Starting With Ty Smith
Called up to the NHL on Thursday is left-shot defenceman Ty Smith. The action comes with some confusion as he was sent to the Wolves two days earlier. Brind’Amour explained Smith’s callup as the need for a spare guy on the roster. The Hurricanes acquired Smith during the Michael Bunting–Jake Guentzel trade. His NHL career boasts decent points, with 47 in 123 games.
Aleksi Heimosalmi
Another big question mark is this man. There are two who are suitable if the Canes need a right-shot defenceman. Both Aleksi Heimosalmi and Scott Morrow could fill the position well enough, but it leans slightly in favour of Heimosalmi. Prior to his time with the Wolves, he competed with Ässät of Finland’s top professional hockey league, and did well for someone of such a young age.
In Conclusion
These Carolina Hurricanes injuries will make the next games tough. However, the expected return of Kochetkov and Jarvis sooner rather than later does help. These next games will show other crucial elements of the Hurricanes this season, performance under pressure and adaptability within the roster. The roster prior to the current injuries was able to mesh well together despite the changes from last season. Fill-in players come with lower expectations. But it doesn’t mean that there is a lack of skill. Early-season injuries are something no one wants to see, but the coaching staff can take this time to figure out what works best for the team.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
