A three-day break between games can feel like a lifetime. It's especially odd during a condensed season for something other than a holiday to bring this long of a break. Alas, the Carolina Hurricanes can take this opportunity to get some much needed practice before returning to action on Thursday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs to continue their homestand.
At Tuesday's practice, there were headlines all over the ice, but there were two areas in particular that stood out. Both have been glaring issues for the Hurricanes over the first two months of the season, but things could be trending in the right direction, if Tuesday at the practice rink was any indication. Here's what to know after the Canes took the ice for practice on Tuesday.
The Hurricanes' power play could be getting a new look?
Shockwaves were felt through the fanbase when it was revealed that captain Jordan Staal was getting reps with the top power play during practice. Staal had taken Ehlers' spot with the group in what appeared to be a plan similar to their overtime strategy. The captain always takes the opening draw, and the rest is predicated on whether he wins or loses.
PP1 Jordo? 👀
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) December 2, 2025
It may just be some experimenting, but the #Canes are trying out the captain on the top unit at practice, in the faceoff circle, and as the net-front.
PP1: Aho, Jarvis, Staal, and Svechnikov with Gostisbehere
PP2: Blake, Ehlers, Hall, and Stankoven with Nikishin pic.twitter.com/iuFhZUzk3I
Rod Brind'Amour was quick to defuse the situation, stating that they were working on a specific play that required Staal to be on the ice during the power play. How that impacts the groups is unclear, but it would feel like an interesting development if Jackson Blake, who replaced Staal after the draw, took Ehlers' spot on the top unit. Ehlers is tied with Sebastian Aho for the most power play points (6).
Another notable change was Alexander Nikishin quarterbacking the second unit as the lone defenseman. Recently, the team has deployed Sean Walker and K'Andre Miller with the second group, though they haven't looked cohesive. Nikishin getting time on the power play has been one thing the fans have yearned for all season. We might soon see that dream realized.
Having the full arsenal on the ice is great injury news for the Hurricanes
Over the weekend, we got to see Jesperi Kotkaniemi join the group in a non-contact jersey. On Tuesday, the yellow sweater was replaced as Kotkaniemi returned as a full participant, signaling that he could be close to returning. Pyotr Kochetkov, who is dealing with a reaggrevation, was also with the group as the three goalies cycled through.
The biggest news of them all was our first Jaccob Slavin sighting on the ice in what feels like forever. He skated in a yellow sweater before the rest of the team took the ice before joining them for practice, skating next to Mike Reilly as the extra defensive pair. Brind'Amour's update after practice doesn't indicate that his return is imminent, though it's a step in the right direction.
Injury updates from Rod Brind'Amour:
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) December 2, 2025
• Jaccob Slavin (lower-body) isn't too close to returning yet.
• Jesperi Kotkaniemi (lower-body) is getting close.
• On Pyotr Kochetkov (lower-body): "It's kind of up to him and how he feels... Hopefully he'll be in the mix here soon." pic.twitter.com/qjIhuhHamb
Even if Slavin isn't close to returning, seeing him skating with the group is as positive a sign as we've gotten in a while. It's the first time it has felt like there is a light at the end of the tunnel regarding his ongoing situation. I'm optimistic that we'll see him before Christmas. Even if we don't, getting him as close to 100 percent as possible will be worth the wait.