Locked On Hurricanes - Daily Podcast On The Carolina Hurricanes

On Friday, Zach was able to be boots on the ground at Day 2 of the Carolina Hurricanes' 2026 Training Camp. What stood out as both groups took to the ice as they head into the weekend? On the Saturday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the 9 am practice group of the NHLers. What stood out as the defending Stanley Cup champions seek to defend their title in 2026-27? Who stood out on Day 2 of camp? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on the comments made by head coach Rod Brind'Amour between the two...

The Carolina Hurricanes' 2026 Training Camp is underway. 95 days after winning the Stanley Cup, the defending champions begin to prep for the 2026-27 season. What are the sights and sounds from Day 1 of camp? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the lines from Day 1 of camp from both groups. What stood out right away as the on-ice activities began? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on what Seth Jarvis and Eric Robinson said after their first camp practice since surgery back in June. Why is it good to see both...

The Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night announced they extended Stanley Cup champion, Conn Smythe winner, and captain Jordan Staal to a one-year extension. What does it mean for both sides, as Staal will be in Carolina through the 2027-28 season? Also, the Hurricanes announced their training camp roster along with providing an update on Alexander Nikishin. On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Staal extension that will see him be in Raleigh for at least the next two seasons. What does the deal include, and why is it...

As we are officially done with the prospect showcase, it's on to the 2026 Carolina Hurricanes training camp. As we draw closer, what are some storylines heading into camp? In this edition, we will focus on the forwards. On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Bradly Nadeau being in the mix to possibly replace Seth Jarvis in the lineup, as he recovers from shoulder surgery. While it's not a foregone conclusion, what can fans expect from the top prospect in the Hurricanes system as he tries to make the opening...

Looks like the Alexander Nikishin situation got more interesting. What does it mean, and where do things stand between Nikishin and the Carolina Hurricanes? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Nikishin situation and how he requested a trade after winning the Stanley Cup. Do the sign-and-trade rumors make more sense? What does it mean for both sides? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on why, if the Hurricanes do move on from Nikishin, they will be fine. Who could replace him in the lineup if he is shipped...

Over the last eight parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 4. In Part 9, we cover spots 3 through 1. We will also cover the re-signing of Mike Reilly. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the re-signing of Mike Reilly to a one-year, two-way deal. Where could Reilly start the upcoming season? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on Cam Ward being the 3rd-best player in Hurricanes history. Also, he shares why Eric Staal is the 2nd-best Hurricanes player of all-time...

Over the last seven parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 6. In Part 8, we cover spots 5 & 4. We will also cover the three re-signings of Justin Robidas, Skyler Brind'Amour, and Cayden Primeau. On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the re-signings of Robidas, Primeau, and Brind'Amour. What does it mean for the Hurricanes, the Chicago Wolves, and the players themselves? What could fans expect from all three players this upcoming 2026-27 season? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on why...

As we take a break from the Carolina Hurricanes Top 25 of All-Time list, we are joined by Hurricanes Team Reporter Walt Ruff! We jump into the Stanley Cup Final, the celebrations afterwards, Walt's summer, and so much more! On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach and Walt begin the show by sharing their thoughts on the Hurricanes' 2026 Stanley Cup title. The guys reflect on the experience of watching the Hurricanes win it all, especially from Walt's perspective after spending all season and the playoffs with the guys. How did Walt feel in the moment, the celebrations afterwards...

Over the last six parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 9. In Part 7, we cover spots 8 to 6. Who made it just outside of the top five? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Justin Williams being the 8th-best Hurricanes player of all-time. In 449 games, Williams had 316 points through eight seasons with the Hurricanes. While he did come back after playing for a time with the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals, he was a big part of...

Over the last five parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 11. In Part 6 of the series, we cover spots 10 and 9. Who made it inside the top 10? Also, we cover the latest staff promotions and additions ahead of the 2026-27 season. On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on recent staff promotions and additions ahead of the 2026-27 season for the Hurricanes. While some familiar names are leaving, some within the organization are moving up. Plus, who are the new...

Over the last four parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 14. In Part 5 of the series, we start with 13 and go to 11. Who just missed the top 10 all-time? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Seth Jarvis being the 13th-best Hurricanes player of all time, just five seasons into his young career. In 375 games, Jarvis already has 279 points, which is 23rd all-time. He is already within striking distance of being in the top 20 of all time in points...

On Tuesday afternoon, the Carolina Hurricanes announced Hurricanes Hockey Network (HHN), along with the on-air talent. On Wednesday, the Hurricanes announced they will join Amazon Prime Video to stream games and pre- and postgame shows for the 2026-27 season. Plus, it's also a Metropolitan Division Crossover with Jay at Locked On Blue Jackets. On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing the news of the Hurricanes partnering with Prime Video to stream games this upcoming season. He provides information about in-market pricing and more. Then Zach and Jay begin talking about the offseason...

On Tuesday afternoon, the Carolina Hurricanes announced the name of their new network, Hurricanes Hockey Network (HHN). Furthermore, they announced their on-air talent lineup, which has been together for the last four seasons. What does it mean for the team and the fans heading into the 2026-27 season? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the HHN name and who will be coming back once again. While it was clear that Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy were already named to the new network, fans didn't know who would be...

As the calendar flips to September, we're now officially 28 days from opening night for the Carolina Hurricanes. Heading into the month when we finally have hockey back, where do the Hurricanes stand as of Sept. 1? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' offseason so far as we begin a new month. What updates have happened since the last offseason check-in? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on how the Hurricanes still have some lineup and contract situations to figure out. Does Bradly Nadeau get a longer look at...

Now that the Connor Hellebuyck trade request is official, where do the Carolina Hurricanes stand following the news? Does a trade make sense, and what could be part of the deal going back? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hellebuyck situation with the Winnipeg Jets. How did his trade request announcement not really change the rumors about him doing so months ago? That said, are the Hurricanes rumored to be inquiring about the American netminder? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on what a possible trade package could...

Over the last three parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 17. In Part 4 of the series, we start with 16 and go to 14. Who has made it in and around the top 15 all-time? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Sami Kapenen being ranked No. 16 of all time for the Hurricanes. During his time with the Hurricanes, Kapanen finished with 348 points in 520 games. He is 17th all-time in points and 20th in games played. How much of an impact...

The first "Wolves Wednesday" of the 2026-27 season is here, and what a way to kick it off with Chicago Wolves head coach Spiros Anastas. The last time the guys spoke was before the Wolves' first playoff matchup against the Texas Stars. What has happened since their last conversation? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach & Spiros catch up on the Wolves' insane playoff run that saw them defeat the Stars, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Colorado Eagles to become the Western Conference Champs. What did Spiros like about that run, and what did it mean...

Over the last two parts of the series, we've dived into the Top 25 Carolina Hurricanes players of All-Time, counting down from 25 to 20. In Part 3 of the series, we start with 19 and go to 17. Who has made it inside the Top 20? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Jeff Skinner being 19th all-time for the Hurricanes. While he spent all of his Canes career in the dark ages of not making the playoffs, he's still top 10 all-time in points. Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on Frederik Andersen being 18th all-time...

North State Journal, The Athletic, and Perfect Storm author Cory Lavalette join the show to discuss the Carolina Hurricanes' offseason so far. While it's been mainly quiet, how does Cory feel about the Canes overall as of August 20? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach & Cory begin the show by discussing the Hurricanes' quiet offseason so far. In years past, Stanley Cup Champions have to break up the roster to get under the cap. However, with the cap going up, over 90% of the roster is returning. Does this make the quiet offseason understandable for the lack of...

Back on Monday, we started the Top 25 Countdown of the greatest Carolina Hurricanes of All-Time since relocation. In Part 1, we had Jordan Martinook, Brett Pesce, and Tuomo Ruutu. That said, who will make it in Part 2 as we focus on 20 through 22? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on why Justin Faulk is the No. 22 Hurricanes player of all-time. In eight seasons, Faulk had 258 points in 559 games between 2011-12 and 2018-19. He was an alternate captain and a co-captain at one point. What impact did he leave in Raleigh? Secondly, Z...

When looking back on the history of the Carolina Hurricanes, since relocation, there have been many excellent players to wear the red, black, and white/silver. That said, who are the top 25 Hurricanes players of all time? Where do they rank? In part 1 of this series, we will dive into three names to kick things off. On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on why Jordan Martinook is ranked the No. 25 Hurricanes player of all time. He has spent the last eight seasons with the Hurricanes from 2018-19 to the p...

As we head into the weekend, let's grade the Carolina Hurricanes' offseason as of August 14th. When it comes to trades, drafting, and signings, how have the Hurricanes done so far? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' 2026 NHL Entry Draft. After trading a few times and electing mainly North American players, how did they do overall? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on the Hurricanes' extensions so far. How did they do with Nic Deslauriers, Juuso Valimaki, Ronan Seeley, etc.? Finally, Zach shares his overall grade of t...

On Monday, August 10, the Carolina Hurricanes announced their 2026-27 promotional schedule. While it's been theme nights over the past few seasons, this time there will be special ticket packages for some nights, along with promo nights and community activation nights. What do the Hurricanes have in store? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the promotional schedule for the Hurricanes. More specifically, which nights stood out to him the most, even besides Whalers night against the NY Islanders. Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on some nights in the past b...

As we are another week closer to the start of the 2026-27 season for the Carolina Hurricanes, let's turn back the clock and grade some past NHL Drafts. The first one that we will look at is the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The two notable names the Hurricanes selected were Jeff Skinner (7th overall) and Justin Faulk (37th). That said, how did the Hurricanes fare overall? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Skinner and Faulk selections. How did those guys do overall with the Hurricanes during their tenure i...

On the Wednesday edition of Locked On Hurricanes, we took a look at three Carolina Hurricanes forwards to watch during the 2026-27 season. On the Friday episode, we will turn to the blueline and discuss three defensemen to watch for the Hurricanes. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how Jaccob Slavin will seek to play a full season after playing in only 39 regular-season games in 2025-26. The Colorado native won the Gold Medal and a Stanley Cup; what's next for the best defensive defneseman in the NHL? Secondly, Z...

As we are another day closer to the 2026-27 season, which three Carolina Hurricanes forwards should fans watch more closely? After some great seasons that led to a Stanley Cup, are these guys in for another stellar season as they look to defend the Cup? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how Andrei Svechnikov could be in another career year after finishing with 70 points last season. Even with the slow start last season, he had a career year. If he has a better start, could we see 75 or 80 p...

As we're now into August, it'll be the last month without regular-season hockey. That said, the Carolina Hurricanes are in a contract stalemate with Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin. After an exclusive interview with RG Media, do we have any updates on the progression of contract talks? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the RG Media interview that Nikishin had at the end of July. When asked about what he's looking for, what was his answer? Does it make sense? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on how the ask i...

As we're now 60 days from Opening Night for the Carolina Hurricanes, what is the plan with the roster? With Seth Jarvis expecting to miss 4 to 6 months, who will replace him in the interim? Could it be Bradly Nadeau, who has shown promise and deserves a longer look? Or is it Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who's been with the team since 2021-22? He's had his chances, but after last season, has it run its course? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the case of how Kotkaniemi has still not found his r...

As we get another day closer to the 2026-27 NHL regular season, it's never too early to discuss upcoming milestones for players. Regarding the Carolina Hurricanes, which three players are on milestone watch heading into the upcoming season? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the captain, Jordan Staal, and how he is not only on an NHL milestone watch but a Hurricanes milestone watch. Regarding the NHL, he is only 21 assists shy of 450 in his career, and three points shy of 750. When it comes to the Hurricanes, Staal i...

Heading into the 2026-27 season, which three Carolina Hurricanes players could take a jump points-wise? While the Hurricanes are seeking to defend their Stanley Cup title, who could have bigger seasons to help them in the cause? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Jordan Martinook getting back into the 30-point-or-more range this upcoming season. In 2025-26, he had 29 points, snapping a three-season run of 30 or more points. To his credit, he played 77 games last season after dealing with injuries. If Martinook can play between 80 and 84 games, there is a...

The Carolina Hurricanes announced the re-signing of defenseman Ronan Seeley on Thursday afternoon (July 23). What does that mean for Seeley, the Hurricanes, and the AHL's Chicago Wolves? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the re-signing of Seeley to a one-year, two-way deal. While it does avoid arbitration this season, he will be a restricted free agent (RFA) again next summer and arbitration-eligible again. Secondly, what does the Seeley deal mean for the Wolves as they look for another deep Calder Cup Playoff run? After making the Calder Cup F...

Good news, everyone! We have an idea of which sports network the Carolina Hurricanes will be on next season! It'll be their own! What does this mean for the team and the fans? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the announcement of the Hurricanes launching their own sports network. Since the closing of the regional broadcasts, i.e., FanDuel, Bally, etc., what does it mean to focus on a more local, team-specific platform? Also, we know who will call games for the Hurricanes in 2026-27. Secondly, Zach shares h...

As we're now 71 days from opening night for the Carolina Hurricanes, what is the most recent news surrounding the team and the NHL as a whole? We have a cup celebration in New Jersey, a player re-signs, and the NHL's contract sticker prices are on the increase. Welcome to a new era of the National Hockey League! On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Nic Deslauriers' day with the cup and how the newest hype man has planted himself as a loved teammate in the locker room. How much d...

It's finally here: the 2026-27 regular season schedule dropped on Thursday for all 32 NHL teams. Regarding the Carolina Hurricanes, we know who they'll face for the upcoming 84-game season. They will face everyone in the Metropolitan Division four times each, and the Atlantic three times each. Outside of that, what should fans keep an eye on for this season? Also, we have another signing. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' upcoming schedule. We have four games each against the Metro, three against the Atlantic, and two a...

On Tuesday, July 14, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler dropped his Top 100 NHL Drafted Prospects list for Summer 2026. Regarding the Carolina Hurricanes,  they had only two players make the Top 100, with a third just missing out as one of the last few to be cut. That said, do their placements make sense, and should there have been another one or two within the organization to be on the list? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Bradly Nadeau making the list in the Tier 4 range at the 56th spot. Does what Wh...

As we get deeper into the offseason, what are some storylines for the Carolina Hurricanes as they're almost a month away from winning the Stanley Cup? What should fans keep an eye on as we slowly get closer to the 2026-27 season? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on what the Hurricanes will do with Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Over the last couple of weeks, he was at the 1/3rd buyout limit, but now, he is set to make over $1 million per season if bought out. If he is not bought o...

Over the last two days, there has been some news surrounding the Carolina Hurricanes & the Chicago Wolves. The Hurricanes announced the extension of Aleksi Heimosalmi. The 2025-26 Hurricanes team officially has its name on the Stanley Cup, forever etched in history. Also, the Wolves announced their 2026-27 AHL schedule. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes,  Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the 2025-26 Hurricanes team having their names etched on the Stanley Cup. Who made it on? What does this mean for the legacy of the franchise moving forward as two-time champs? Secondly, Zach s...

During the mega final episode of 32 Thoughts before the summer break, Elliotte Freidman stated that the Carolina Hurricanes were looking to offer sheet a couple of players. One of them as Leo Carlsson, but the one that caught everyone's attention was Detroit Red Wings' Simon Edvinsson. That being said, does it make sense for the Hurricanes to offer sheet for Edvinsson, and would the Red Wings match it? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the news of the Hurricanes being interested in Edvinsson. While they are still figure...

As we start a new week in the offseason, what's the latest news surrounding the Carolina Hurricanes? Between arbitration, a new signing, and a way too early roster projection, how are things shaping up in Raleigh? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the news of Ronan Seeley electing for arbitration. Earlier in the week, the Hurricanes gave Seeley a qualifying offer, along with six other players. However, he decided to go to arbitration on Sunday. What could that look like for both sides? Secondly, the Hurricanes signed netminder...

After two days of not moves, it's clear that the Carolina Hurricanes are not making moves just to make moves. It's a smart play by the defending Stanley Cup champions, who have 98% of their roster coming back for the 2026-27 season. What does their roster situation look like? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on why the Hurricanes being patient makes the most sense, especially with them having $11.105M left in cap space. If contracts right now seem high, there is no need to make a move just to...