The Carolina Hurricanes enter the 2026–27 season as defending Stanley Cup champions with a largely intact roster, prioritizing continuity over major changes. The only notable departure was longtime starter Frederik Andersen, leaving the team to rely on an internal goaltending tandem while banking on the same core that delivered the title.
Key Additions
None (notable) – The Hurricanes made no significant additions this offseason, choosing to basically run it back with the same group that won the Cup.
Zachary Sawchenko (G) – Signed a one-year, two-way deal as depth in the system. The undrafted journeyman has seven NHL games of experience, providing emergency backup options.
Viktor Neuchev (RW) – Re-signed after being acquired at the 2025 deadline, adding forward depth.
Juuso Valimaki (D) – Re-signed on a one-year deal, providing right-shot depth on defense.
2026-27 Calgary Flames Season Preview
Key Subtractions
Frederik Andersen (G) – Signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1. The 36-year-old posted a 16–14–5 record with a 3.05 GAA and .874 save percentage in 35 regular-season games, but was 13–2 with a 1.89 GAA and .910 save percentage in 16 playoff games en route to the Cup.
Mike Reilly (D) – Remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent. The 33-year-old had nine points in 42 regular-season games and two assists in two playoff games, providing veteran depth on the left side.
Noah Philp (C) – Departed in free agency, thinning center depth.
Missed Opportunity
John Carlson (D) – Acquired from Anaheim on June 27th ahead of free agency, but he signed a two-year, $17 million deal with Tampa Bay on July 1st instead of signing with Carolina.
Core Retained
Carolina kept its championship core intact, with Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Martin Necas, Seth Jarvis (expected to miss the start due to shoulder surgery), Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns, Pyotr Kochetkov, and Brandon Bussi all under contract. Nikolaj Ehlers remains a key piece on the wing after signing a six-year deal last summer.
Impact on 2026–27
The Hurricanes’ decision to stand pat signals confidence in their existing roster. The goaltending tandem of Kochetkov and Bussi will be tasked with replacing Andersen’s playoff heroics, while the forward and defensive groups remain among the league’s deepest. Expect Carolina to remain a top contender in the Metropolitan Division, with the same core chasing a repeat.
Salary Cap Situation
Projected cap hit – $94,119,818
Roster – 21/23
Projected cap space – $9,880,182
Deadline cap space – $45,637,031
RFA – Alexander Nikishin
Top Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Rankings, Highlights & Projections
Depth Chart
Carolina Hurricanes Depth Chart from PuckPedia.com – Aug. 11th
Top Carolina Hurricanes prospects
| Chris Babos Dobber Prospects August 4th, 2026 |
Steven Ellis Daily Faceoff July 14th, 2026 |
McKeen’s Hockey May 2nd, 2026 |
Scott Wheeler The Athletic Mar. 20th, 2026 |
|
| 1 | Bradly Nadeau (LW) | Bradly Nadeau (LW) | Bradly Nadeau (LW) | Bradly Nadeau (LW/RW) |
| 2 | Semyon Frolov (G) | Felix Unger Sörum (RW) | Felix Unger Sörum (RW) | Semyon Frolov (G) |
| 3 | Felix Unger Sörum (RW) | Charles-Alexis Legault (RHD) | Semyon Frolov (G) | Felix Unger Sörum (RW) |
| 4 | Dominik Badinka (RHD) | Dominik Badinka (RHD) | Dominik Badinka (RHD) | Dominik Badinka (RHD) |
| 5 | Charles-Alexis Legault (RHD) | William Hakansson (LHD) | Charlie Cerrato (C) | Charlie Cerrato (C) |
| 6 | William Hakansson (LHD) | Semyon Frolov (G) | Justin Robidas (C) | Ivan Ryabkin (C) |
| 7 | Nikita Artamonov (LW) | Charlie Cerrato (C) | Ivan Ryabkin (C) | Justin Poirier (RW) |
| 8 | Justin Robidas (C) | Nikita Artamonov (LW) | Nikita Artamonov (LW) | Nikita Artamonov (LW/RW) |
| 9 | Ivan Ryabkin (C) | Ivan Ryabkin (C) | Charles-Alexis Legault (RHD) | Justin Robidas (C) |
| 10 | Charlie Cerrato (C) | Wiggo Sorensson (C) | Jayden Perron (RW) | Noel Fransén (LHD) |
Read more on the top Carolina Hurricanes prospects heading into the 2026-27 season.
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