RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield will miss Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final on Tuesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Chatfield, who usually plays on Carolina`s second defensive pairing alongside Dmitry Orlov, was sidelined for last week`s series-clinching game against the Washington Capitals due to a lower-body injury. He had not practiced multiple times before taking the ice Tuesday morning, approximately 10 hours prior to the start of the series opener against the Panthers.
Scott Morrow, a promising 22-year-old prospect, is expected to fill Chatfield`s spot in the lineup.
Coach Rod Brind`Amour mentioned after the morning skate that the team was “still debating” Chatfield`s availability for the game. He had previously stated on Monday that Chatfield would probably need to participate in practice before returning.
“It`s a good sign at least that he`s out there with us,” Brind`Amour commented, adding, “He definitely wants to play, so we`ll see how things progress.”
Top defense prospect Alexander Nikishin played in Chatfield`s place during the series-closing game against the Capitals, although Morrow was chosen for Tuesday`s game.
Morrow, Carolina`s second-round draft pick in 2021, appeared in 14 regular-season games this year. He also played in two playoff games in April for Carolina`s American Hockey League affiliate in Chicago.
“I`ve played enough games now that I feel I`m ready for this moment if it arises,” Morrow stated regarding the possibility of making his NHL postseason debut.
This series is a repeat of the Eastern Final from two years prior, when the Panthers swept the Hurricanes with four victories, all decided by a single goal, including one that went to four overtimes.
