It has been tough sledding for the Carolina Hurricanes through three games this preseason. They've come up empty in all three, losing a mid-week tilt against the Panthers and both meetings with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Their loss on Friday night was a wild one, featuring seven goals in the third period of a 6-5 loss on the road for Carolina.
The #Canes have announced their roster for Sunday's exhibition game at Lenovo Center against Nashville. pic.twitter.com/AOAxbmgGV0
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) September 27, 2025
For the final home game of the preseason, the Hurricanes are sending out a solid mix of rookies and veterans. Captain Jordan Staal, alternate captain Jordan Martinook, and Sean Walker are expected to make their preseason debuts. It'll also mark the fourth straight appearances for Bradly Nadeau and Kevin Labanc, the only players in camp to dress for each contest.
On the other side: Nashville Predators
Sunday will be the Predators' fourth game of the preseason and the second in as many nights after playing in Tampa Bay on Saturday. The Predators lost to the Lightning, falling to 1-1-1 with their performance last night. They dressed a very veteran-heavy group, with stars like Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros all dressing for Nashville.
The Canes and the Predators split when they met last preseason. Nashville outplayed a young Canes team when they met the first time, though the 6-4 final was a little closer than the efforts indicated. Many from that night's roster faced the Predators a second time and came out with a win, closing the preseason with a 5-3 victory.
Hurricanes to Watch
Jackson Blake: In the team's preseason opener, Jackson Blake might have been the Hurricanes' top player. Despite not scoring, Blake was all over the ice during his shifts. He had a game-high six shots in the tilt, though he hasn't dressed since then. While these games don't mean anything, getting Blake rolling at top form would be great.
The lines for the contest will be clearer during the Canes' morning skate on Sunday, but I'd imagine Blake will skate next to Staal and Martinook as the two most veteran players in the lineup. If that's the case, Blake is the more offensive-minded of the group, potentially allowing him to find a few more scoring chances.
Kevin Labanc: While he's one of two players to play in all three preseason games thus far, Kevin Labanc is the only one to record a point in all three. He had a goal taken off the board against Tampa on Monday, but he still managed an assist on the Canes' only goal. Labanc has added assists in the two games since.
Much like Givani Smith's efforts, Labanc is putting himself in a spot to earn an NHL deal once training camp ends, either with Carolina or elsewhere in the league. He's done it once already, signing a deal with Columbus last season after showing out during camp with New Jersey. He has been very noticeable, making the most of his opportunities.
Domenick Fensore: Like Blake, Domenick Fensore hasn't dressed since the preseason opener on Monday, but he also had some good moments, especially early in the game. Making his NHL debut at the end of last season, Fensore has shown a lot of promise to become a future NHLer..
The first thing that hits you is how fast he is. During the first period of Monday's loss to Tampa. Fensore created a few chances with his speed, both for himself and his teammates. People will point to his size as his biggest limitation. I still don't find height to be a big issue, especially since for every Fensore, there's a K'Andre Miller or Alexander Nikishin.