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The Carolina Hurricanes Face a Unique Problem with Their Playoff Roster

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As the regular season winds down and the excitement for the playoffs heats up, the Carolina Hurricanes have one big question mark over their roster. It is an issue which is often overlooked among the masses of players cruising in and out of lineups towards the end of the season, and more so one which the history books hardly expound upon. But when the puck drops as the big games start, who are the ones who don’t make it to the bench?

The Carolina Hurricanes Have an Interesting Dilemma Regarding Their Playoff Roster

Throughout the regular season, players have been moving up and down the leagues as injuries hit the roster. The Hurricanes have been no different in this common issue. The injured reserves and AHL phone lines have been busy this season. Numerous players found themselves having to watch the games from the owners’ suites and press boxes. From Jesper Fast who has been absent since before the season even began to Andrei Svechnikov and William Carrier having to take extended leaves for their own injuries, it’s been a hard topic for the Hurricanes.

As this season wraps up, many players are coming out of their wraps and returning to playing condition. Carrier, for example, has just returned after missing 39 games straight. If things continue to trend as they are expected, Carolina could have a healthy roster come the playoffs.

While it has been a bumpy, ibuprofen-filled road that the Hurricanes (and many other teams this season) have been travelling, there now seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. But, that light may be an oncoming train carrying a new dilemma their way in the shape of roster limitations. One could easily see it as a problem, but it is actually a very good thing.

The Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Roster Would Be Over the Limit

The NHL requires 23 total players on playoff rosters—12 forwards, six defencemen, two goaltenders, and three spare players. Currently, the Hurricanes have seven defencemen, 14 forwards, and two goaltenders on the list. It sounds reasonable, but the Hurricanes have more main forwards than the average due to acquisitions covering for injured players. Currently, the only call-up forward playing has been Tyson Jost. Additionally, the Hurricanes latest signing, Alexander Nikishin, is also part of this conversation, being a possible eighth defenceman before the playoffs. To put things simply, if all goes well with full recoveries and current players remain healthy (God bless them, knock on wood), then the Hurricanes will potentially have a 24-man roster with one main forward to scratch.

Trimming Down the Playoff Roster: Who Will the Carolina Hurricanes Need to Scratch?

Tyson Jost May Be Headed for Chi-Town

To start with the obvious, it is expected that Jost will be sent back to the AHL to join the Chicago Wolves in their run for the Calder Cup. He has been a great extra-man for the Hurricanes, but considering the trimming the team will have to do for the main roster, this is all but certain. This, of course, could still benefit the Hurricanes in the long run if he clears waivers in the drop-down. He brings a lot to the table, and being part of a cup-winning AHL team has helped future Hurricanes (Pyotr Kochetkov, Jalen Chatfield, Stefan Noesen, etc.) tremendously in the past.

Even if he isn’t with the Hurricanes during playoffs, his potential contributions at the AHL level should not be minimized. Of course, this decision would rely on whether Nikishin is ready to go for the playoffs or not. If Nikishin is not selected to be part of the playoff roster, Jost should remain as a healthy scratch.

Alexander Nikishin May Be Unavailable

There is a significant chance Nikishin could miss the postseason. Realistically speaking, adjustment to life stateside can take a lot of time. “In the short term, we know there is going to be a transition period here,” General Manager Eric Tulsky said in a recent interview. “It’s gonna take him a little bit of time to get used to it—we won’t know until he’s here—whether that’s a couple days or a couple months.”

The Carolina Hurricanes have a very distinct playing style which can be difficult to get a handle on. “You don’t wanna put too much on him yet”, Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour said before a recent game. “There’s gonna be a learning curve, there’s gonna be a language barrier, there’s just a bunch of things.” Between learning life in North America and learning the coaching style, he may need more time to adjust. While he could very well slide into the extras list, it isn’t clear at this time whether that will be the best option. If he does not suit up in the red and black, he is expected to join the Wolves in their playoff run.

Scott Morrow May Be the Most Obvious Choice

Whether it is Jost or Nikishin who will be scratched, it doesn’t change the likelihood that Scott Morrow will be the secondary scratch. He has played very well in his latest stint at the NHL level, filling big skates in the absences of players like Dmitry Orlov and Shayne Gostisbehere.

Which Main Forward Will Be Scratched?

The prime suspects for a fair few fans are either Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Svechnikov, or Carrier sitting it out. While this is a possibility, some things decrease the likelihood. Each player has their pros and cons, so let’s look into theirs.

Andrei Svechnikov is Not Very Likely

As many Carolina Hurricanes fans know from past seasons, when it is time for the playoffs, the power forward is a powerhouse on the roster. He is known for hitting another gear in the playoffs, bringing much needed strong physical play to the team. His productivity has indeed taken a dip since the injury to his right ACL in the late 2022-23 season, but that isn’t to say that the coaching staff will just give up on such a core member of the team.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Could Be More Likely

Assuming Kotkaniemi is healthy for the playoffs, the 24-year-old Finn has a decent probability to sit. However, it may not be a strong possibility. He has more experience in the playoffs than Svechnikov does, and while it may not stand out as much on the scoresheet, there is something to be said about how it stacks up considering his lower-line placement. He has a similar playing style to Jordan Staal, steadily improving his defensive capabilities since joining the Hurricanes in 2021. Furthermore, he has the ability to win crucial face-offs as a bottom-six forward.

Nonetheless, his place in the regular lineup may be in question following some of this season’s events. Initially, during the Martin Nečas trade, it was mentioned that he would be in the mix before it quickly changed to Jack Drury. “I thought I was gone for 13 minutes,” Kotkaniemi told the North State Journal. “But I came back.” Whether it was a misreport or a change in plans remains unknown. Regardless, the following failed trade to the Vancouver Canucks for Brock Boeser pointed fingers towards him perhaps having a lesser importance than expected. Of course, that is a matter of management, not coaching. That factor may not trickle down from the top to influence what Brind’Amour selects for the final roster.

William Carrier Could Be the Most Likely of the Three

Carrier, on the other hand, is another who is known for that other gear for the playoffs. The sandpaper forward isn’t one for the top lines, but he, too, brings a crucial piece to this puzzle. Truthfully speaking, he is a very likely option to sit. As mentioned previously, he did not play in 39 games straight due to injury. In that time, he missed not only a large portion of the season but a lot of change, as well.

During those months, Martin Necas and Jack Drury left in a trade that brought Mikko Rantanen to Raleigh. In the middle of that was also the addition of Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks. Afterwards, Rantanen was dealt yet again, this time to the Dallas Stars for Logan Stankoven. Once again, yet another additional player was acquired in Mark Jankowski (who has been playing his best hockey in Carolina). The Hurricanes went through a lot of change and adversity in the time he missed. Still, when out of the nightly lineup, injured players hang around the team. Even so, any lack of on-ice chemistry between him and the new crew may be less than desired for the postseason.

Not the New Guys, Right?

Naturally, eyes will also be on the newest forwards: Stankoven and Jankowski. In their short time with the Hurricanes so far, they have proven themselves as reliable forwards. They both fit in incredibly well with the coaching style and have found instant chemistry with the team. Further adding to it, they both have decent experience in the playoffs in their careers, with Stankoven edging out Jankowski in goals and assists in the postseason. It is hard to imagine either of the two being scratched for the playoffs. Nonetheless, it could be more plausible to happen than some of the previously discussed players due to how much has been contributed throughout the entire season.

Last Word On This Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Roster Story

Perhaps we may see some unexpected names cross the healthy scratch box when the Hurricanes face the New Jersey Devils. Perhaps some names that were not even mentioned here. Though it may seem to be an issue, it really should be expressed that this is not bad. It is a blessing to have a mostly healthy team, and should this be the case for the Hurricanes. Even the scratched players will undoubtedly be grateful for this.

The postseason is a long and hard road. However, with enough grit, determination, and teamwork, the wheels can keep rolling towards the finish line.

Main Photo: James Guillory- Imagn Images

The post The Carolina Hurricanes Face a Unique Problem with Their Playoff Roster appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.