Here are the key storylines for the Carolina Hurricanes and their upcoming schedule for the week of Feb. 1-7, 2026. The Hurricanes have a busy start to the week before the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Dominating the Metro
The Hurricanes are currently sitting 1st in the Metropolitan Division (72 points as of Feb. 1). They have been dominating recently, riding a strong point streak despite a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday to end January. They remain one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference heading into the Olympic break.
The “Bus Driver” Saves the Season
With goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov out for the season following hip surgery, rookie netminder Brandon Bussi has been a revelation. Bussi has posted an impressive record (reaching 20 wins) and is generating buzz for his stability in the crease. He is projected to carry the load alongside veteran Frederik Andersen. This goaltending depth is critical as the team eyes a deep playoff run without their original starter.
Trade Deadline Rumors: Hunting for a 2C
With the trade deadline approaching (March 6), the Hurricanes are rumored to be “big game hunting.” The primary target is a high-end second-line center to bolster their top six. There are heavy rumors linking the Canes to the Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson and Calgary Flames’ Nazem Kadri.
To make a blockbuster work, names like Jesperi Kotkaniemi (due to struggles cracking the top six) and top prospect Alexander Nikishin have surfaced in speculation, though trading Nikishin seems highly unlikely.
Olympic Break Imminent
Following the game against the New York Rangers on Feb. 5, the Hurricanes will not play again until Feb. 26 (vs. Tampa Bay). Players selected for their national teams will head to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, while the rest of the roster gets a nearly three-week rest to recover for the playoff push.
Hurricanes Schedule Feb. 1 – 7
| Date | Time (ET) | Opponent | Location | TV / Notes |
| Sun, Feb. 1 | 3:00 PM | Los Angeles Kings | Lenovo Center | Home Matinee |
| Tue, Feb. 3 | 7:00 PM | Ottawa Senators | Lenovo Center | Final Home Game Pre-Break |
| Thu, Feb. 5 | 7:00 PM | @ New York Rangers | Madison Square Garden | Last Game Before Olympic Break |
| Fri, Feb. 6 | — | No Game | — | Olympic Break Begins |
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