For the first time in over three months, the Carolina Hurricanes are playing hockey, though the stakes are significantly lower than they were on that night in Las Vegas. The shortened preseason slate kicks off with two teams who don't like each other very much. The Canes are visiting the Florida Panthers, who they'll see in just over a week in Raleigh to begin the regular season.
The Hurricanes are sending a younger group to face the Panthers, though there are quite a few NHL players on the roster to ensure they are compliant with the NHL's preseason protocol. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Mike Reilly, and Pyotr Kochetkov are the only three players whose names are on the Stanley Cup that will be in the lineup, though they aren't the only players from last year's squad.
The #Canes have announced their roster for tomorrow's preseason opener in Sunrise against the Panthers.
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 19, 2026
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., and the game is scheduled to be streamed for free on the team's website. pic.twitter.com/KRHj9SIoqs
While the Panthers' roster for the game wasn't announced by Sunday morning, Paul Maurice said after Florida's practice on Saturday that both preseason games against the Hurricanes, which include Tuesday's contest in Raleigh, will feature "veteran-heavy" lineups. What this means, in terms of their personnel, will likely be known closer to puck drop.
Hurricanes to Watch
Jesperi Kotkaniemi: After looking like a near certainty to be gone at some point this offseason, Kotkaniemi is still a Carolina Hurricane. By all accounts, he has looked good to begin camp. This could be seen as either a chance for him to find a spot in the starting lineup next Tuesday, or a way to improve his trade stock. He'll certainly get a chance to play as tonight's presumed top-line center.
Bradly Nadeau: Of course, we're looking at Nadeau for a spot on the Opening Night roster, so every game he plays- and he'll certainly play a lot- is important. However, with the Panthers putting a lot of veterans in the lineup, I think that Nadeau will be in the direct line of fire. I foresee at least one Tkachuk, maybe both, being all over him all night.
Juha Jaaska: Missing the entire 2025-26 season with a lower-body injury, Jaaska is in the lineup tonight to play his first game in almost 17 months. He was very good for Chicago in '24-'25, and he got some work with the NHL club, picking up four assists in 18 games. It will be great to see him back on the ice after such a long layoff.
Juuso Valimaki: There is no shortage of defensemen who could challenge for the sixth spot in the Canes' lineup, and almost all of them are on the roster tonight. One who isn't getting as much talk is Valimaki, who hasn't played an NHL game since late January 2025 in Utah. He is a lefty, and while the open spot is on the right side of the defense, that likely isn't of much concern for the coaching staff.
Pyotr Kochetkov: The starting goalie for tonight's contest will likely be revealed when Rod Brind'Amour speaks to the media before the game, but Kochetkov's inclusion leads me to believe that he'll get the nod. Even if he doesn't, and Zachary Sawchenko gets the start, they might look to split the time for the netminders. Kochetkov also hasn't played in a long time, last playing in December.
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