We're only 60 minutes (and potentially overtime and a shootout) away from the regular season. Before they can begin their quest for the Stanley Cup, the Carolina Hurricanes have one more tune-up against the Nashville Predators on Saturday afternoon. The Canes haven't played since Monday, dropping a 4-3 decision in overtime to the Florida Panthers.
The #Canes have announced their roster for tomorrow’s preseason finale in Nashville. pic.twitter.com/oaXHuVvedD
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) October 3, 2025
The Hurricanes are putting their best foot forward for the final game, icing almost an entire team of regulars. The only players missing from their lineup are forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is still nursing an injury from last Friday night in Tampa, and defensemen Jaccob Slavin and K'Andre Miller, neither of whom has dressed for a game this preseason.
On the Other Side: Nashville Predators
The Hurricanes' lone win of the preseason came last Sunday night when they defeated the Predators at the Lenovo Center. Bradly Nadeau scored twice in the win, while Cayden Primeau shut Nashville down in a 4-2 triumph. The Predators iced a young team for the team, playing the second half of a back-to-back.
While Nashville's roster for the game hasn't been announced yet, they'll likely ice an NHL-level team against the Canes. They've whittled their roster down over the last several days, though they added to the group by claiming Tyson Jost after the Canes waived him on Tuesday. We'll probably see something resembling their Opening Night roster.
Hurricanes to Watch
Pyotr Kochetkov: For the first time this preseason, we could be getting a look at Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes. It'll either be Kochetkov in the net, or Cayden Primeau will make his third appearance of camp. I would lean toward Kochetkov in the net, especially since he'll be expected to perform in tandem with Frederik Andersen starting next week.
This year will be a big one for Kochetkov. He's entering the third year of his contract and is coming off the toughest season of his young career. Instead of taking the step forward and asserting himself as the team's legitimate #1, Kochetkov, arguably, took a step backward. I know that it's only the preseason, but he's a player who thrives on momentum. He needs a good start.
Jalen Chatfield: Like Kochetkov, Jalen Chatfield is getting his first ice time of the preseason on Saturday. He suffered an injury during the postseason that kept him out of the Eastern Conference Finals. His absence was sorely felt and highlighted how valuable he is to the team on the back end.
Chatfield recently shed his yellow no-contact sweater at practice, making Saturday's game a likely time for him to finally hit the ice. The defensive pairs have been all over the place during practice, and while Saturday won't provide a ton of clarity, with Miller and Slavin out, it'll be a good first step in the right direction to get Chatfield back in the fold.
Logan Stankoven: Playing with the regulars against an NHL team, this is going to be a big test for Logan Stankoven as he tries to lock down the 2C spot for the Canes. He has been skating mostly with Andrei Svechnikov and Jackson Blake, so I expect to see a lot of the same this afternoon. Truthfully, this looks like a very fun line.
As much fun as they might be, this will be their first real action together against a team that isn't their own. Stankoven being at the center of it makes him a major focal point, especially after the long-term deal he signed this summer. If he can play well and the line can show a spark, it would be a sign of good things to come.