The Carolina Hurricanes are facing a significant test of their depth as forward Seth Jarvis is sidelined with an upper-body injury. The injury occurred during the Hurricanes' 4-3 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers on Friday, December 19, 2025, when Jarvis crashed into the goal post at full speed. Coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that Jarvis would be "out for a while". On Monday, December 22, the team announced that Jarvis would be out on a week-to-week basis.
Jarvis, 23, has been a key player for the Hurricanes, leading the team in scoring this season with 19 goals and 10 assists for 29 points in 34 games. His absence will be felt not only on the score sheet but also in the locker room, as he is considered a vital part of the team's two-way play and contributes in all situations.
With Jarvis on injured reserve, the Hurricanes have recalled Bradley Nadeau from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. However, filling the void left by Jarvis will require a collective effort from the team's forward group. Several players will need to step up and increase their offensive contributions to compensate for the loss of their leading scorer.
Potential candidates to take on a larger role include Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Svechnikov is known for his offensive prowess and will likely see increased ice time and opportunities. Aho, a consistent scorer, will need to maintain his production and potentially elevate his game further. Kotkaniemi will need to demonstrate more offensive consistency to help fill the void.
Beyond the established stars, other players on the Hurricanes' roster will need to seize the opportunity to prove their worth. Taylor Hall, Jordan Staal and Eric Robinson could see their roles expand. The coaching staff will be looking for these players to provide energy, contribute on the forecheck, and capitalize on scoring chances when they arise.
The Hurricanes' depth will be further tested as defenseman Jaccob Slavin is also out week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Slavin's absence further complicates the team's situation, placing even greater emphasis on the remaining players to elevate their performance.
The team's ability to weather this storm will depend on their ability to come together and compensate for the loss of key contributors. This stretch will serve as an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and solidify their roles within the team. How the Hurricanes' depth responds in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their success as they navigate this challenging period.
