RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield is sidelined for Tuesday`s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final versus the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Chatfield, who usually plays alongside Dmitry Orlov on Carolina`s second defensive pair, missed the series-clinching game against the Washington Capitals in the previous round due to a lower-body injury. Despite participating in Tuesday morning`s skate, approximately 10 hours before the series opener against the Panthers, he had been absent from multiple practices beforehand.
Scott Morrow, a 22-year-old rising prospect, was inserted into the lineup to take Chatfield`s place.
Coach Rod Brind`Amour mentioned after the morning skate that the team was “still debating” Chatfield`s availability. He had previously stated on Monday that Chatfield would likely need to practice to be ready to return to play.
“At least it`s a good sign that he`s on the ice with us,” Brind`Amour remarked, adding, “He definitely wants to play, so we`ll see how it progresses.”
While top defenseman prospect Alexander Nikishin filled in for Chatfield during the final game against the Capitals, Morrow was chosen for the lineup on Tuesday.
Morrow, Carolina`s second-round pick in the 2021 draft, appeared in 14 regular-season NHL games this year. He also participated in two playoff games for Carolina`s American Hockey League affiliate in Chicago during April.
“I`ve played enough games now where I believe I`m ready for this moment if it arrives,” Morrow stated regarding the possibility of making his NHL postseason debut.
This series is a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final from two years ago, a series the Panthers won in a sweep with four one-goal victories, one of which was decided in four overtimes.
Tristan Blackwood