Carolina Hurricanes start 2025-26 season hosting New Jersey Devils

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The Carolina Hurricanes start their 2025-26 season on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.

Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday at the Lenovo Center. The game airs on ESPN Plus and Hulu.

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The Canes are vying for their eighth consecutive playoff appearance this season under head coach Rod Brind’Amour. They’ll also try to win their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Carolina won the 2006 Stanley Cup.

Carolina has had an active offseason. In July, the Canes acquired defenseman K’Andre Miller from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick.

The Hurricanes also signed forward Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year contract.

Related: Eric Tulsky comfortable, confident and going for the Stanley Cup in 2nd year as Hurricanes GM

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Last season, the Canes made it to the Eastern Conference Final before losing in five games to the Florida Panthers. The Panthers went on to win the Stanley Cup.

The Hurricanes and Devils met in last spring’s playoffs, with Carolina advancing in five games in the Eastern Conference’s first round.

The Canes’ opening-day roster stands at three goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards.

New Jersey’s lineup is expected to include defenseman Brett Pesce, a former Canes player. Pesce is due to play in his 700th regular-season game the next time he’s on the ice.