The Carolina Hurricanes have just two regular season games remaining on their schedule and much like the past few games, they also really don’t matter in terms of results.
The Canes have been locked into a first-round matchup with the New Jersey Devils for quite a while now and as such, they’ve been able to rest a variety of players as of late.
Wednesday and Thursday’s stops in Canada aren’t going to be the exception either.
The Hurricanes are approaching full health in terms of everyone having the ability to play, but according to coach Rod Brind’Amour, there’s quite a few guys who are still nursing stuff.
So in turn, we’re probably more than likely going to see some callups from the AHL fairly soon, especially since Alexander Nikishin isn’t going to make it in time.
So which Chicago Wolves could we see this week?
Teams are allowed just four AHL callups following the trade deadline (excluding emergency callups) and unless I’m mistaken, I believe only Scott Morrow counts against that number, meaning the team can callup three more players.
Forwards
Bradly Nadeau
30g, 56pts, 63gp
The Wolves’ leading scorer has earned the opportunity for another NHL game. Nadeau made his NHL debut at the end of last season, so it’d be just another taste of what eventually will almost certainly be his future.
Juha Jaaska
11g, 31pts, 50gp
Jaaska has the most NHL experience out of the current slate of Wolves forwards, having played 18 games with the Hurricanes this season. He’s familiar with the team and can slot in well without much problem.
Justin Robidas
18g, 49pts, 67gp
The most recent callup, Robidas played well in his two games with Carolina, producing in each, despite the team losing. He’s a workhorse and has showed just why he is deserving of an opportunity to play in the NHL.
Ryan Suzuki
11g, 56pts, 66gp
Suzuki has been a good soldier for a while now and finally got to make his NHL debut this year after being drafted in 2019. Also, playing on Wednesday would be an exceptionally special moment for him and his family too given that it would be in Montreal against his brother, Nick.
Skyler Brind’Amour
16g, 23pts, 67gp
These kinds of games are perfect for players to have the chance to make NHL debuts and what better than for the Brind’Amours to share another moment together.
Josiah Slavin
11g, 20pts, 63gp
We mentioned one family connection, so why not another?
Felix Unger Sorum
5g, 20pts, 59gp
It hasn’t been the most productive season for Unger Sorum. There were high hopes for the young forward heading into the year after a few eye-popping preseason appearances and WJC, but the production just hasn’t been there. But perhaps a higher level of teammates can bring out the best in the Swede.
Defensemen
Riley Stillman
3g, 9pts, 35gp
Stillman has been one of the team’s most consistent callups over the course of the season even though he only played in three games with the Canes. Plenty of practice time and flight miles may pay off with a couple more games.
Ty Smith
5g, 26pts, 33gp
The other side of the callup circus from this season, Smith has been a steady producer in the AHL this season and could be the guy to come up given that he has a good amount of NHL experience.
Domenick Fensore
9g, 32pts, 66gp
Fensore has had a strong sophomore season with Chicago playing and producing on both the power play and penalty kill as well. A kid who’s put the time in, if the team is looking to reward hard-working guys, he’s definitely an option.
Joakim Ryan
2g, 7pts, 56gp
Ryan hasn’t played in the NHL since 2021, but has 145 games of NHL experience under his belt. These final games could be a good chance to give a veteran one last taste of the big leagues.
Goalies
Spencer Martin
18-7-2, 0.908 Sv%, 2.38 GAA
If the Canes want to give a netminder the day off, the only real callup that makes sense is Martin. However, the way the past few games have gone for Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, I’d want them to have the chance to put up a better performance heading into the playoffs.
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