dailyloe.com – The Carolina Hurricanes will rest key players in their NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed the move to prioritize player health before the playoffs. The team has already secured its division title.
Carolina recalled four players from its AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, on Wednesday. Skyler Brind’Amour, Charles Alexis Legault, Bradly Nadeau, and Josiah Slavin are the recalled players. At least three of them are expected to play against the Blackhawks.
Coach Brind’Amour did not name the specific regulars being rested. He indicated they are players who normally have significant roles. Defenseman Jalen Chatfield is definitively out due to an injury sustained Tuesday.
Chatfield was hurt in the team’s win over the Boston Bruins. He did not return to that game. “He’s not 100%, so he’s not playing,” Brind’Amour stated about Chatfield’s status.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen is projected to start in net for Carolina. Andersen has a record of 7-4 in 11 appearances since the Winter Olympics. This could be his second-to-last regular season start if the current rotation continues.
The team’s goal is to have players as healthy as possible for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The postseason is scheduled to begin next weekend. This strategic rest is a common practice for playoff-bound teams.
Injured goalie Pyotr Kochetkov remains out following hip surgery. The team has provided no timetable for his return. His absence is a longer-term consideration for the organization.[]
Source: NHL.com
