With the conclusion of another NHL season, anticipation is building for the 2025-26 campaign. The Carolina Hurricanes are preparing for several key offseason events.
The NHL Draft will take place in a decentralized format this year. The Hurricanes hold six picks, starting with No. 29 overall. Round 1 is scheduled for Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S. Rounds 2-7 will occur on Saturday, June 28, beginning at noon ET, available on NHL Network and ESPN+.
Carolina’s recent draft history includes selecting Bradly Nadeau from Penticton of the BCHL in the first round last year. He made his NHL debut less than a year later during the 2024-25 season.
The Hurricanes have traded some of their picks: their second-round pick went to Colorado Avalanche in January, while their third-round pick was exchanged with Washington Capitals for Evgeny Kuznetsov before last year’s trade deadline. They reacquired a third-round pick from Tampa Bay Lightning by trading Jake Guentzel’s rights.
Following the draft, prospects will attend the Prospects Development Camp at Invisalign Arena in Morrisville. The camp roster will be announced beforehand as participants engage in on-ice drills and learn about professional life off the ice.
Free agency begins when players without contracts for the 2024-25 season can sign with new teams starting at noon ET. The Hurricanes have over $28 million in cap space, which is significant among playoff teams. General Manager Eric Tulsky faces decisions regarding eight restricted free agents and twelve unrestricted free agents.
The league typically releases its regular-season schedule shortly after free agency opens; it was July 2 last year but could be earlier this time around.
Additionally, an event hosted by New York Islanders is expected to return to the calendar this February alongside considerations for alignment with the upcoming Winter Olympics scheduled from February 6-22, 2026.
A six-game preseason schedule for Carolina will likely run from September 20 through October 5 with details forthcoming later this summer.
The unofficial kickoff involves a four-team gathering including Carolina along with Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and Tampa Bay Lightning; details on location remain pending but should be announced soon.
“Is it October yet?” — Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes)
