Hurricanes Hope Injured Stars Return for Second Round

The Carolina Hurricanes entered the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s top seed and completed a 4-2 series sweep of the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, becoming the first team to advance to the second round. Winger Nikolaj Ehlers missed the series-clinching Game 4 with a lower-body injury, while defenseman Alexander Nikishin left the ice in the second period after a concussion-causing hit by Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven.

Hurricanes hopeful Ehlers, Nikishin will be ready for Round 2

Ehlers, in his first season with Carolina, appeared in all 82 regular-season games, posting a career-high 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) and signing a six-year, $51 million contract on July 5. Rookie defenseman Nikishin recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) and a +18 rating in 81 games, splitting time on the bottom pairing and the second power-play unit. In the first-round playoffs, Ehlers contributed one assist in three games, while Nikishin recorded no points and averaged 16:31 of ice time.

Ehlers, Nikishin could be ready for Hurricanes at start of East 2nd Round

Team medical staff cleared Ehlers to resume practice on Tuesday, but he did not skate, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Nikishin’s concussion evaluation indicated improvement; Brind’Amour said the recovery trajectory is moving in a positive direction. Both players are expected to be available for the start of the Eastern Conference second round, pending final clearance.

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Head coach Rod Brind’Amour conveyed optimism, emphasizing that the team’s depth has mitigated the impact of the injuries. He highlighted the contributions of replacements such as forward William Carrier, who filled Ehlers’ third-line role, and defensemen Mike Reilly and prospect Charles-Alexis Legault, who were called up from the AHL. Brind’Amour also stressed that the Hurricanes’ overall play has not suffered despite the absences, and that the timing of the second round could benefit the injured players’ recovery.

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• “I’m hopeful that both guys will be ready by the looks of it,” — Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach

Ehlers, Nikishin could be ready for Hurricanes at start of East 2nd Round

• “everything's trending in the right direction” — Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach (on Nikishin)

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• “I guess it kind of depends on how long we’re [waiting for Round 2] for, so that could work in our favor if it is a little longer.” — Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach

Hurricanes hopeful Ehlers, Nikishin will be ready for Round 2

• “Everybody who has had to step in has really contributed,” — Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach

Ehlers, Nikishin could be ready for Hurricanes at start of East 2nd Round

• “There certainly hasn’t been a dip in our play with really key guys out. So, with (Reilly) and all the guys who had to pick up slack, they did it.” — Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach

Ehlers, Nikishin could be ready for Hurricanes at start of East 2nd Round

The Hurricanes await the winner of the Metropolitan Division series between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flyers lead that series 3-2 and host Game 6 on Wednesday. Should either Ehlers or Nikishin be unavailable, Carolina will likely rely on Mike Reilly and the recently recalled Charles-Alexis Legault to fill defensive minutes, while forward depth will continue to be provided by Carrier and Nicolas Deslauriers.

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