According to the press release, it will be the first major altercation to the Canes’ uniform since the team moved to North Carolina. However, the colors and logo will remain the same, so do not expect a vintage Hartford Whalers style, as some have with the Dallas Stars changing their uniform to a Minnesota North Stars feel.

The team will be sending out teaser pictures through the Hurricanes’ Instagram of the uniform for the next ten days starting tomorrow.

On June 4, the team will showcase the uniforms at PNC Bank Arena in an invite-only event. To attend the event, fans can enter a drawing through the Hurricanes website, or use their Canes Reward points to enter another drawing. More info can be found here.

Gragnani previously played for the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres and won the Defenseman of the Year Award in the AHL in 2010-11. He signed with the Hurricanes last summer, but only played one game with the Canes at the end of February. Gragnani missed 33 games during the regular season with the Checkers because of four different injuries.

Despite the injuries, the Canadian native scored 28 points in 42 games, including 21 on the power-play, and helped the Checkers’ transition game.

If Gragnani had re-signed with the Hurricanes, he would have an outside shot at making the team, depending on the trades that are made during the off-season. If Jaime McBain is traded, Gragnani would have been a possible replacement.

However, it is unlikely that Gragnani would have gotten that chance with Ryan Murphy in the fold. This move affects the Checkers more than anyone because the team will lose a good amount of offense from their defense. It’s possible that GM Jim Rutherford will replace Gragnani in free agency.

Yesterday’s Playoff Games

• After the first period, the Ottawa Senators had a one goal lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but at the end of the next two periods, the Penguins scored six goals and won the game 7-3. James Neal and Jarome Iginla scored twice for the Pens, while Kris Letang had four assists. Sidney Crosby, Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz also scored for Pittsburgh. Daniel Alfredsson, Milan Michalek and Kyle Turris scored for the Sens. Tomas Vokoun made 30 saves, while Craig Anderson was pulled after the sixth goal. Penguins now lead the series 3-1.

Today’s Schedule

Eastern Conference

• #4 Boston Bruins at #6 New York Rangers, 7 ET, CNBC, Bruins lead 3-0

Western Conference

• #1 Chicago Blackhawks at #7 Detroit Red Wings, 8 ET, NBC Sports Network, Red Wings lead 2-1
• #5 Los Angeles Kings vs #6 San Jose Sharks, 10:30 ET, NBC Sports Network, Series tied 2-2