Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky spoke with reporters at Lenovo Center on April 22 to discuss the team’s performance and provide updates as the team advances in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The media session offered insights into recent player additions, individual performances, and roster health. These updates come as interest grows among fans, with tickets for Round 1 currently available.
Tulsky said that newcomers Nikolaj Ehlers and K’Andre Miller have made a significant impact on the team. “They’ve been great. This team is playing at its best right now, and those two are a big part of it, right? They’ve elevated us from where we’ve been in past years. I think they’ve added dimensions of defensive depth from K’Andre and offensive firepower and flare, for lack of a better word, from Nikolaj. It makes us a stronger and deeper team. It gives us a dimension that we haven’t always had,” Tulsky said.
When asked about Logan Stankoven’s recent performance, Tulsky highlighted his contribution: “He’s been great… He’s played 20 games since that. He’s had 12 goals and 19 points… People worry a lot about his height, but in the end, it’s about how hard you fight, and he wins as many puck battles as anyone.” Stankoven has scored nine goals in his last ten games across both regular season and postseason play.
Tulsky also provided an update on goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov’s status: “He’s healthy. He’s cleared to play. It’s just a matter of where there’s an opportunity for him to get into games… He is ready to go.” On contract discussions with Alexander Nikishin’s representation, Tulsky said talks have occurred throughout the year but emphasized letting players focus on their performance during playoffs.
The Carolina Hurricanes play their home games at Lenovo Center in Raleigh—a venue featuring over 700,000 square feet with multiple seating levels and amenities such as suites and concession stands according to the official website. The arena can accommodate up to 20,000 people while hosting more than 150 events each year according to the official website. The organization contributes over $200 million annually to the local economy through its events and community involvement according to the official website.
The Hurricanes have recognized several notable figures in their Hall of Fame—including Eric Staal—for their contributions according to the official website. The franchise achieved its first Stanley Cup victory in 2006 according to the official website.
