Preseason hockey is officially upon us as the Carolina Hurricanes kick off their six-game slate on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. While we haven't reached the point when hockey games start to matter, the start of the preseason means we're closer than we have been to getting the season rolling.
The Canes will face the Lightning, the Nashville Predators, and the Florida Panthers twice each over the next two weeks. Over the weekend, Rod Brind'Amour declared that the roster for the preseason opener would lean toward the younger side, though a few players from the projected Opening Night roster will get the nod on Monday.
The #Canes have announced their roster for Monday’s exhibition opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Lenovo Center. pic.twitter.com/z12hQeatN5
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 21, 2025
Know the enemy: Tampa Bay Lightning
As of writing this, little is known about who the Lightning will dress for this contest. Per the NHL rulebook, a team must dress at least eight veterans for each preseason game. These can be players who played 30 games last season, or a player with 100 career NHL games. This means would could either see the Lightning's top unit, or something similar to the Canes' roster.
The Canes defeated the Bolts in both preseason meetings a season ago. Both games ended with the Hurricanes victorious 2-1 over Tampa Bay. Carolina iced a roster much like the group they'll send out tonight for the first win before going veteran-heavy for the latter victory in their penultimate tune-up game.
Hurricanes to watch
Bradly Nadeau: If we're being honest, the Opening Night roster seems relatively set, with the only remaining questions surrounding how the team will line up. This means that Nadeau will likely start the season in the AHL once again. After scoring 32 goals as a rookie, he's ready to take the next step, but there's a veteran blockade preventing him from making the jump.
However, while a spot on the roster seems unlikely, it's by no means impossible. Nadeau started the preseason with an excellent showing during the Rookie Showcase in Florida, scoring twice in three games. If Nadeau continues to impress, the dark horse could shock the fan base, much like Jackson Blake a season ago.
Alexander Nikishin: His appearances during the postseason were merely a morsel when it comes to Nikishin's game. While he recorded a point during the conference finals, it was evident that a learning curve remained as he transitioned from the KHL to the NHL. With a full training camp to help him prepare for what's to come, this will be our first look to see how things are progressing.
The largest question remaining surrounds who will pair with the young defenseman. With injuries preventing the Canes' first team from practicing together as a unit, Nikishin has paired with Shayne Gostisbehere throughout camp. On Monday, Gostisbehere won't be in the lineup, and the Canes are only dressing two right-handed defensemen. This will be an important first test for the rookie.
Cayden Primeau: As the more experienced of the two goalies dressing for the preseason opener, it seems likely that Primeau will take the start over Ruslan Khazheyev. Primeau, the son of former Hurricanes captain Keith Primeau, was acquired by the team on June 30 in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens.
Spending his career to this point with Montreal, Primeau was part of the AHL's best goalie duo a season ago. While he's projected to begin the season in the AHL with Chicago, Prmieau is positioned to be the team's third-string goalie. Knowing the team's history with goalies and their health, Primeau could go a long way in alleviating some doubts with a good performance tonight.