South Raleigh News

The Carolina Hurricanes have received positive news amid recent injury challenges. On Wednesday, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and goaltender Frederik Andersen made significant progress in their recoveries.

Before the team's practice at Invisalign Arena, Shayne Gostisbehere, who has been sidelined since December 27 due to an upper-body injury, was seen working with Assistant Coach Tim Gleason. "Ghost," as he is known, had been performing well before his injury, accumulating 27 points in 35 games. His absence has impacted the team's power play performance significantly.

Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour did not provide a specific timeline for Gostisbehere's return but mentioned that practicing with the full team would be his next step.

Goaltender Frederik Andersen returned to practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery on November 22. He expressed optimism about his recovery process: "It's a good step to get closer to playing and it's fun to be back out there with the guys," Andersen said. Despite past injuries and health issues, he maintains a positive outlook on returning to form.

Andersen initially expected an absence of 8-12 weeks but remains focused on regaining match fitness by participating in as many practices as possible. Before his injury, he held a .941 save percentage in four starts this season.

In other team news, forward William Carrier remains uncertain about when he will return from a lower-body injury sustained against the Minnesota Wild. The Hurricanes are evaluating options regarding Carrier's condition.

The team faces a busy schedule ahead with six games over nine days, starting Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs at home.