Canes Corner

It wasn't necessarily well-played, but it was entertaining.  Carolina lost 6-5 to the Lightning and fell to 0-3-0 in the preseason.  Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored his second goal in as many games, Givani Smith scored his first goal of the preseason and Kevin Lebanc added an assist in his third straight game in the loss.  

"Good thing the game doesn't count", was how Rod Brind'Amour summed up the 4-2 loss to the Panthers.  "Well, we learned how not to play", was what Sebastian Aho said.  But, for 40 minutes the Canes dominated the Panthers and it's best that we just talk about that.  So, let's do that.

It was just the preseason opener, but there were things worth seeing in the Canes' 2-1 loss to the Lightning.  Logan Stankoven played center, fairly well, and scored the lone Hurricanes goal.  Jackson Blake was his normal self.  Alexander Nikishin showed physicality and a multi-faceted game that is sure to make the head coach happy -- though there is a ton of room for him to get better.  There was enough to like and enough to correct before Wednesday's game with Florida.

Lots to look forward to as the Canes open the preseason against Tampa Bay.  Logan Stankoven will play center against the Lightning.  Plus, we'll see Alexander Nikishin, Bradly Nadeau and Charles-Alexis Legault in prominant roles.  

The Metropolitan Division has to have three playoff teams.  Last year, the Capitals had a magical season and finished top of the pile.  Will they repeat?  Will the Rangers bounce back?  Or will it be someone else that emerges to join -- presumably -- the Hurricanes and Devils?

From Captain Jordan Staal to Logan Stankoven, the Canes hope to be the center of attention in the Metropolitan Division.  And, reports have the Canes also lined up to add Michael McLeod to the group.  Yes, the same Michael McLeod that was the point person in that explosive trial in London, Ontario in which he and four other members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Hockey gold medal-winning team were acquitted of sexual assault.  

Who might be the surprise Canes player to emerge in training camp?  Is there one?

So many people think the Hurricanes need a top ten goalie to win the cup.  But, what if I told you that wasn't true at all.  AND, the Hurricanes arguably already have one in Frederik Andersen?  

This is part two of a seven-part pre-season series.

Five former Hockey Canada players were recently found not guilty of sexual assault in an incident that allegedly happened in Ontario in 2018. Carter Hart, Micheal McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were acquitted in July 2025. The five players are eligible to sign NHL contracts in October.

Would the Carolina Hurricanes be interested in signing them? Adam discusses the two players who might have peaked the Canes' interest.

This is part one of a seven-part preseason series. Adam Gold digs into seven big issues heading to the start of the Canes preseason schedule.

Canes Corner is presented by The Aluminum Company of North Carolina.

Carolina Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour joins Adam Gold for a Canes Corner episode that goes beyond the ice. Rod talks about his approach to coaching and building a competitive team, from the inside story on how line combinations and player decisions really get made, to leadership in the locker room.

He shares his thoughts on the hall of fame, NIL and college athletes, favorite movies, binge-worthy TV, and the pride he feels watching his son chase the NHL dream.