Hurricanes Rest Key Players, Rising Stars Step Up

Carolina calls up AHL talent to face Blackhawks as playoff push continues

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:14am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into a blur of rapid brushstrokes.The Hurricanes' strategic rest of key players opens the door for a new generation of rising stars to showcase their skills and energy on the ice.Denver Today

The Carolina Hurricanes are strategically resting several key players, including Jalen Chatfield, Jaccob Slavin, Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook, Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho, and Andrei Svechnikov, ahead of their game against the Chicago Blackhawks. With the team's divisional title already secured, the focus shifts to the upcoming playoff picture and potential first-round opponent, currently projected to be the Ottawa Senators. The Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, steps in to fill the void, with Skyler Brind'Amour, Bradly Nadeau, Josiah Slavin, and Charles-Alexis Legault making their NHL debuts.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes' decision to rest their star players is a strategic move to ensure the team's health and freshness for the crucial playoff battles ahead. This also provides a valuable opportunity for the team's rising stars to showcase their skills at the NHL level, potentially earning more playing time and experience as the postseason approaches.

The details

Among the players resting are Jalen Chatfield, who is confirmed to be injured, as well as Jaccob Slavin, Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook, Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho, and Andrei Svechnikov. The Hurricanes have recalled Skyler Brind'Amour, Bradly Nadeau, Josiah Slavin, and Charles-Alexis Legault from their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, to fill the void. Skyler Brind'Amour, the son of head coach Rod Brind'Amour, makes his NHL debut alongside his father, while Bradly Nadeau, a 20-year-old first-round draft pick, showcases his elite shot and top-six potential. Josiah Slavin, the brother of Jaccob Slavin, also makes his NHL debut, adding to the family legacy with the Canes. Charles-Alexis Legault, the only defenseman in the call-up, has seen action in eight NHL games this year, contributing with his size and defensive abilities.

  • The Hurricanes have already secured their divisional title.

The players

Jalen Chatfield

A Hurricanes player who is confirmed to be injured and resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Jaccob Slavin

A Hurricanes player who is resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Jordan Staal

A Hurricanes player who is resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Jordan Martinook

A Hurricanes player who is resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Seth Jarvis

A Hurricanes player who is resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Sebastian Aho

A Hurricanes player who is resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Andrei Svechnikov

A Hurricanes player who is resting for the game against the Blackhawks.

Skyler Brind'Amour

A Hurricanes prospect who has been recalled from the AHL to make his NHL debut, playing alongside his father, head coach Rod Brind'Amour.

Bradly Nadeau

A Hurricanes prospect who has been recalled from the AHL and is considered the team's top forward prospect with top-six potential.

Josiah Slavin

A Hurricanes prospect who has been recalled from the AHL to make his NHL debut, adding to the family legacy with the Canes.

Charles-Alexis Legault

A Hurricanes prospect who has been recalled from the AHL and has seen action in eight NHL games this year, contributing with his size and defensive abilities.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great opportunity for these young guys to show what they can do at the NHL level. We have a lot of depth in our organization, and this is a chance for them to prove themselves as we head into the playoffs.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes

What’s next

The Hurricanes' farmhands are now set to return to the AHL, with the team carefully managing its lineup for the remaining regular-season games. The focus remains on the playoffs, where the team aims to make a strong showing, building on the strategic rest and strategic call-ups that have kept them competitive throughout the season.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' decision to rest their key players demonstrates the team's depth and commitment to player development. By providing opportunities for their rising stars to showcase their skills at the NHL level, the Hurricanes are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run, with a fresh and motivated roster ready to take on the challenges ahead.