Hurricanes’ Jalen Chatfield Out with Lower-Body Injury Ahead of Blackhawks Clash

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield will not suit up for Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks due to a lower-body injury. Chatfield’s absence comes after he managed only two shifts in the third period of Tuesday’s thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins.

This season, Chatfield has made significant contributions, tallying two goals and a career-high 15 assists in 71 games. Coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed his concern over the injury, stating, “You’re always concerned when guys are missing. I hope it’s not anything that’s going to drag on, but put it this way, he’s not 100 percent so he’s not playing.”

Despite the setback with Chatfield, the Hurricanes have already clinched the Metropolitan Division title with their recent win against the Bruins. As they headed into Thursday’s action, Carolina was leading the Eastern Conference, holding a two-point advantage over the Buffalo Sabres.

In light of Chatfield’s injury, the Hurricanes have made moves to bolster their roster, recalling defenseman Charles Alexis Legault and forwards Skyler Brind’Amour, Bradly Nadeau, and Josiah Slavin from their AHL affiliate. However, with no morning skate on Thursday, Brind’Amour was unsure of his lineup against the Blackhawks, though he mentioned that at least three of the recalled players were expected to step into the lineup.

“We got a couple guys (that) got nicked up the other night. … We’re literally a game-time decision, but they’ll be significant players that’ll be sitting out,” Brind’Amour noted. Among the call-ups, Skyler Brind’Amour is the coach’s son, while Slavin is the younger brother of Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin. Skyler Brind’Amour previously scored a goal in two games with the Hurricanes last April, and Josiah Slavin notched an assist during his time with the Blackhawks in the 2021-22 season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.