Rod Brind’Amour’s tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes has been defined by consistently strong two-way play, disciplined systems, and playoff appearances. While much attention goes to offense — players like Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho — a defenseman ready to break out under Brind’Amour’s system could be pivotal this season.
The Hurricanes’ blue line features veterans known for reliability, but there’s growing concern over depth — especially when injuries hit. Add to that the importance of shut-down defense in tight playoff battles, and you see why a breakout is needed.
Brind’Amour values positioning, hard work, and defensive responsibility. A player who can balance offensive support with smart gap control might rise. Special teams' usage (penalty kill or power play) could also give an opportunity for exposure.
Candidates for a breakout on the blue line
Alexander Nikishin
The Hurricanes’ 2020 draft pick spent the last few seasons in the KHL and was only able to appear sparingly in the NHL postseason. He has size, mobility, and puck-moving ability. With departures on the blue line, like Burns and Orlov, Nikishin has a prime opportunity to earn top-four minutes and power-play time.
Shayne Gostisbehere
Gostisbehere is expected to be a key power-play quarterback for the Canes. His past in Philadelphia and Arizona showed flashes of high offense from the point, and in Carolina, he may get more consistent deployment. If he can stay healthy and maintain confidence, his offensive production could rise.
Jalen Chatfield
Chatfield isn't far removed from career highs in goals and assists in 2023-24, and he was on the ice much more last season. He’s still younger than many of the veteran defenders, and if he can build on momentum from 2024-25, he could solidify himself as more than a depth or third-pairing option. More deployment in special teams or handling tougher matchups could unlock a breakout.
Domenick Fensore
A less-established name, Fensore has AHL and limited NHL experience that shows potential. With fewer veterans healthy or in the mix, the Hurricanes could lean on him more often this season. If he performs well in camp and preseason and performs well with AHL Chicago, he could become a dark horse.
If the defenseman lacks top-pair experience, mistakes will be magnified. Matchups against fast, skilled teams could expose weaker foot speed or decision-making. Goaltending remains part of the equation; a slip in the crease could overshadow defensive improvements.
This season’s defensive breakout won’t just be about stats — it’ll be about impact. If one of these young backliners can seize opportunity, make fewer mistakes, and step up in critical moments, Brind’Amour’s system could reward them with greater responsibility, and the Hurricanes could be much tougher to beat.