How Martinooks’ absence has affected the Carolina Hurricanes

Jordan Martinook is back off of injured reserve and will be looking to join his team on the ice as soon as Tomorrow. He will be a more than welcomed return.

Jordan Martinook has been out recovering from core muscle surgery for weeks now. His absence has coincided with the Carolina Hurricanes beginning to look like the Hurricanes of previous seasons, not the team favored to make a run at the Eastern Conference title and Stanley Cup. With him coming off of Injury reserve today, the Hurricanes can finally start to feel like themselves.

Jordan Martinook was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes via trade with the Arizona Coyotes back in May 2018 and quickly became an integral part of the Hurricanes organization on and off the ice. He of course is a fan favorite. He is also a key figure in the locker room and on the ice as well.

Which was already well known but proven again when the team named him an alternate captain just before the start of this season. His impact was already established by then. But then the bad news hit.

Back on October 10th, it was announced that Jordan Martinook would be having to undergo core muscle surgery. Since then, they have lost eight of the last 14 games.  His spot on the fourth line has been a revolving door of sorts. With it being filled by Julien Gauthier, Brian Gibbons, and Eetu Luostarinen. While all are good players, they lacked his leadership skills on the ice.

He has been a presence in the locker room which is obviously good for the team. But him being stuck in the press box during the games rather than on the ice, has resulted in some sloppy play from the team. Not unlike Justin Williams a season ago, Martinook has set expectations of his fellow teammates that they strive to achieve.

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And while Jordan Staal and Jaccob Slavin have been superb and other veterans have been doing what they can, that lack of extra veteran presence and leadership has been very prominent as of late. Especially, during that four game skid.

Martinook’s absence has been exacerbated by star forward, Erik Haula also getting injured. Which was very noticeable in the previously mentioned four game skid. Especially on the power play.

Thankfully, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Jordan Martinook has officially been  activated off of the IR and now can slot back into the lineup as soon as tomorrow’s game against the Wild. Haula is also back in the lineup already having played in the Hurricanes’ big win the Buffalo Sabres that say them win in Overtime 5-4.

Only time will tell how the Hurricanes will bounce back from this rough November. But, if they are to continue on their current trajectory started with their big home win against Ottawa, they should find themselves back in the upper levels in the league standings. Having Martinook finally back in the lineup will go a long way towards that.

Question for CC readers: Do you think the Hurricanes play will improve when Martinook comes back in a couple weeks?