NHL Season Opener
Carolina Hurricanes open NHL season hosting championship favorites Florida Panthers
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Key Points
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Panthers coach Paul Maurice said last season’s injury-driven playoff miss renewed his appreciation for the regular season: “I’m excited about the regular season this year, and I haven’t said that for three or four years.”
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Carolina’s championship roster is not entirely unchanged: goalie Frederik Andersen signed a one-year deal with Edmonton, while defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains an unsigned restricted free agent.
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Felix Unger Sorum strengthened his case for an opening-night opportunity by scoring a preseason game-winner with 2.6 seconds left, then skating on Carolina’s top line and second power-play unit against Nashville; he also assisted on a goal and drew two penalties.
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Florida’s projected contender status is reflected in polling: 20 of 35 coaches and executives surveyed by The Athletic picked the Panthers to win the Cup, and they were also the leading choice in an NHL.com poll of 35 players.
The NHL season opens with a championship coronation. The Carolina Hurricanes will raise their Stanley Cup banner before facing the Florida Panthers in the season's first game The Brock Press. Carolina won their first title in 20 years last June France24, while the injury-plagued Panthers missed the playoffs entirely—yet still enter as Stanley Cup favorites The Athletic.
Florida's roster looks healthier and more dangerous than last season. Star captain Aleksander Barkov returns, and the team added star forward Brady Tkachuk to join his brother Matthew NHL.com. Twenty of 35 coaches and executives surveyed picked the Panthers to win the Cup this year The Athletic.
Panthers' Injuries End Playoff Streak, Fuel Contender Status
Florida's 2025-26 season was brutalized by injuries. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in years, snapping a streak that had defined their recent run. Yet coaches, executives, and players all believe this Panthers team is stacked enough to win it all The Athletic NHL.com.
Coach Paul Maurice's mindset has shifted. After three or four years of overlooking the regular season, he told reporters he's now excited for it: "I'm excited about the regular season this year, and I haven't said that for three or four years." A healthy roster changes everything The Brock Press.
Hurricanes Return Most Title Roster, Lose Goalie Andersen
Carolina's championship team is mostly intact. The Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup in two decades last June, defeating Vegas in six games France24. Most players are back to defend the title.
But there are gaps. Star goalie Frederik Andersen signed a one-year deal with Edmonton, leaving Carolina without their championship netminder NHL.com. Defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned as a restricted free agent, creating another roster question The Brock Press.
Jarvis Out, Felix Unger Sorum Makes Strong Preseason Case
Carolina's forward Seth Jarvis will miss the start of the season recovering from shoulder surgery. That opens a hole in the lineup the Hurricanes must fill quickly The Brock Press.
Prospect Felix Unger Sorum made his case in preseason. He scored a game-winner with 2.6 seconds left, then skated on Carolina's top line and second power-play unit against Nashville. He also recorded an assist and drew two penalties NHL.com. At 23, he's positioning himself for opening-night minutes The Brock Press.
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