The Carolina Hurricanes' training camp roster is set, and we are right around the corner from the team hitting the ice and starting the 2024-25 preseason! A few names stood out on the roster of PTOs, including Sam Gagner, Skyler Brind'Amour, and Rocco Grimaldi. Those three will join the second group of bubble players and prospects.
For the most part, the Canes roster is filled with depth at each position and the younger players pushing for a roster spot are providing some depth from the lower levels. The likes of Jackson Blake, Bradly Nadeau, Ryan Suzuki, and Scott Morrow will have ambitions of making the club with an exceptional training camp. That will not leave much room for the PTO veterans, specifically Gagner and Grimaldi.
Sam Gagner
At 35 years old Gagner has had a very productive career after 17 years of service. Gagner, the 6th overall draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2007 NHL Draft, has had several tours with the team that drafted him. This past season, the Ontario native played 28 games, registering 5 goals and 10 points.
Always known for his offense, Gagner is small in stature but is very creative with the puck and makes plays for his linemates. Normally, he is good for 5-10 goals if he is healthy and playing most of the season. His highest point total came in 2016-17 with Columbus, registering 50 points. More recently in 2021, Gagner put up 32 points in Detroit.
Looking for another team and the chance at the ultimate title, Gagner could provide some depth but is more than likely heading back to free agency unless he is willing to head to Chicago to play in the AHL.
Rocco Grimaldi
Grimaldi has played parts of 8 seasons in the NHL but has not played in the league since 2022 with Nashville. That season, Grimaldi played in just 7 games. The season before that, the California native played in 40 games.
Drafted in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers, Grimaldi, like Gagner, is small in stature at just 5'6. His draft appeal was his speed and skill while playing responsibly in his zone. Nonetheless, he played just 27 games with the team that drafted him before moving on to Colorado. That was a brief stint over two years playing just 10 games. He found a home in Nashville where he played in 166 games over 4 seasons.
At 31 years of age, Grimaldi would be an excellent depth piece in Chicago and good for an injury call-up once in a while. It will be interesting to see how his body has held up the last few years in camp.
Skyler Brind'Amour
A former NCAA champion at Quinnipiac University, Brind'Amour is under contract with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, a Florida Panthers affiliate. He recorded 8 points in 54 games last season with Charlotte.
Entering training camp in Raleigh for obvious reasons, Brind'Amour is likely not in the plans for the organization but Skyler will have a chance to play for his father and showcase his skills.