In the world of hockey, the Carolina Hurricanes have seen some major changes this offseason, bidding farewell to key players who contributed significantly to the team’s success. Notably, the team has lost important pieces in both their offensive firepower and defensive strength, particularly in the middle pairing on defense. However, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. This shift in personnel opens up opportunities for younger players and new additions signed by Eric Tulsky to make their mark on the team.
In our Puck Drop Preview, we touched on some expectations for the Hurricanes this upcoming season. Now, let’s delve deeper into how the team’s revamped defense is shaping up for the 2024-25 season.
Looking at the returning roster, the Hurricanes still have Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov, and Jalen Chatfield on the blue line. However, the departures of Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce, who formed a formidable middle pairing for several seasons, leave big shoes to fill. Skjei, a skilled left-shot defenseman known for his skating ability and offensive production, had a standout season last year with a career-high 47 points. Pesce, on the other hand, is recognized for his strong defensive play and reliability in shutting down opponents. Although injuries have plagued Pesce recently, his impact defensively cannot be overstated.
On the loss of Tony DeAngelo, a pure offensive defenseman who failed to make a significant impact last season, and Dylan Coghlan, a promising depth player who never received much opportunity in Carolina, the Hurricanes have moved on. Tulsky made moves to address the departures of Skjei and Pesce by bringing in Sean Walker and welcoming back Shayne Gostisbehere. Both players are similar in age to the departed defensemen but come at a lower cost, providing the Hurricanes with added depth and versatility on the back end.
Moreover, the Hurricanes’ new affiliation with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL presents an opportunity for prospects like Scott Morrow to hone their skills and contribute to the team in the future. With these changes, the Hurricanes’ defense is poised for a new chapter in the upcoming season, with fresh faces ready to step up and fill the void left by their predecessors.
