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The Carolina Hurricanes, seven games into the 2025-26 season, are in a weird predicament. They’re one of the best teams in the NHL, with a record of 6-1-0 after defeating the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night (Oct. 23); however, they’re in the midst of injury woes. They were already without Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere going into Thursday night’s game, both with lower-body injuries. Then, before the game, K’Andre Miller was a late scratch (later revealed to have a lower-body injury), which was preceded by William Carrier (lower-body) and Eric Robinson (upper-body) leaving the game early. In the span of two weeks, the Hurricanes are down three defensemen and two forwards from the opening night roster. They’ve already had to call up Charles Alexis Legault and Joel Nystrom to help plug the leaking ship. However, that all changes with Carrier and Robinson out. That being said, if both guys are out short or long-term, what options do the Hurricanes have for callups from the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Chicago Wolves to help stop this issue? Long-Term Call-Up Solutions Following the game against the Avalanche, Rod Brind’Amour commented on losing three players before and during the game. “They’re going to be out, both of those guys, for it looks like an extended period. “Tonight was a tough night for the injuries. And (K’Andre Miller), I don’t know what’s going on there; that could be a while. It’s tough on the injury front right now.” Monday’s practice could be an indicator of whether Gostisbehere and/or Slavin will be ready to go. However, if they aren’t 100 percent, there is a chance the Hurricanes will have to call up a third defenseman from the Wolves. The best option could be Domenick Fensore, who had a great rookie showcase and preseason. In three games for the Wolves, he has one goal and five points. He could be a solid choice as a seventh defenseman to at least have another option for Tim Gleason and the blue line, which is decimated with injuries. That would leave the defensive pairings the same from the Avalanche game and could be an okay grouping, depending on how long Slavin and/or Gostisbehere are out. Regarding the forwards, the Hurricanes will have to make at least two call-ups from the Wolves to replace Carrier and Robinson. One of those options is winger Bradly Nadeau, who scored a lacrosse goal on Sunday, Oct. 19, against the Rockford IceHogs. In three games, he has two goals and four points. The other options could be Justin Robidas, Felix Unger Sorum, or Givani Smith. Robidas makes sense if it is long-term, since he has played on the wing for the Hurricanes and the Wolves at certain points of his young career. Plus, he has played center, so he brings some flexibility to the lines. In three games, he has three assists and is a plus-3. He could be someone they could rely on if a player is struggling or needs a night off to rest. He plays well in the system and could be a good fit on the wing. If the Hurricanes feel like they want to go with him, he could be a solid choice as an extra forward.
