Canes Open Preseason With Youthful Lineup and Primeau’s Debut
The Carolina Hurricanes kicked off their preseason schedule on Monday night, and while it was just an exhibition, the matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning carried plenty of intrigue. The team rolled out a lineup that leaned heavily on prospects, new acquisitions, and players on professional tryouts. For fans, it was a first glimpse at how the organization’s younger talent is progressing—and also the first time Cayden Primeau suited up for his father’s former team.
Preseason games are always a balance between evaluation and preparation, and that was clear in how the Hurricanes approached this opener. NHL rules require that at least eight “veterans” be dressed in every preseason contest, so players like Givani Smith, Kevin Labanc, Oliver Kylington, and Gavin Bayreuther helped meet that requirement. At the same time, most of the roster was filled with prospects or AHL regulars eager to make their case for an NHL role. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour made it clear that these games are about giving younger players opportunities, saying that many will be rotated through multiple preseason matchups.
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Among the debutants, Cayden Primeau drew plenty of attention. Acquired from the Montreal Canadiens this summer, the 26-year-old goaltender is looking for a fresh start in Carolina. Last season, he put together an outstanding campaign with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, going 21-2-3 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. That performance, combined with winning the Harry Holmes Award for best goalie tandem, showed his potential. Now, he has the chance to compete for a role in the Hurricanes’ crease. His presence also carries sentimental value—Primeau’s father, Keith Primeau, once wore the “C” as captain in Carolina.
The Hurricanes’ draft pipeline was also on display. Ten drafted players dressed for the opener, including Bradly Nadeau, who became just the fourth teenager in AHL history to score more than 30 goals last season. At 20 years old, he is pushing hard to prove he’s ready for the NHL. Ruslan Khazheyev, another young prospect in goal, also got a chance to show his growth after a promising showing at the recent Prospects Showcase.
Not every regular was available. Defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Jalen Chatfield are nursing minor injuries, and forward Juha Jaaska is considered day-to-day. Brind’Amour noted he wasn’t concerned if those players miss all of preseason, as the focus is on being healthy for the opener.
The game itself was less about the result and more about setting the stage. Carolina wore its new white uniforms at home, giving fans another reason to tune in. And while this was just the first of six preseason matchups, it marked the start of a fresh chapter. For players like Primeau, Nadeau, and others, it was a night to seize the moment and show the Hurricanes’ staff they belong on the big stage.
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