With the Carolina Hurricanes entering a three-week break in their regular season for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, General Manager Eric Tulsky reflected on the team’s progress and challenges through their first 57 games.
Tulsky addressed several topics during an appearance on The Storm Report podcast, including injuries, new player acquisitions, and areas for improvement as the team continues its pursuit of another Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes previously won the Stanley Cup in 2006, marking a significant achievement in franchise history according to their official website: https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/team/hall-of-fame.
Despite facing one of the most injury-plagued seasons since 2014-15, Tulsky expressed satisfaction with the team’s current standing. “I think we’re off to an incredible start. This is, I think, the most injured our team has been since the 2014-15 season, and we sit here tied for the lead in the conference, seven points up in the division. To fight through the injuries we’ve had and to come out as well as we have is an incredible situation,” he said.
A major storyline this season has been goaltender Brandon Bussi’s emergence. Tulsky commented on Bussi’s impact: “He’s a great person, but in terms of on-ice play, I think he reads the game incredibly well. His ability to anticipate what’s coming helps him sort of prepare for a lot of the opportunities that teams get against us sometimes. [He] puts himself in position to make some saves that would be hard for a lot of people to make.”
Bussi joined just before this season began, while two key offseason additions were K’Andre Miller and Nikolaj Ehlers. Tulsky described how both have fit into different roles due to their skating abilities: “Both of them have as a foundation that they’re really great skaters… Those are different skills that are important for different things.” He noted Miller’s explosiveness and Ehlers’ elusiveness with puck control.
The versatility shown by Miller and Ehlers has allowed coaches flexibility with lineups. “It’s one of those things that’s really valuable for the coaches – to be able to mix and match… That flexibility and versatility are really valued,” Tulsky added.
Rookie Alexander Nikishin has also drawn attention during his first full NHL season. Tulsky said: “He’s extremely talented… There have been things that have continued to refine in his game and he’s just gotten better and better as the season’s gone on.” He highlighted Nikishin’s development both offensively and defensively.
Nikishin has spent time paired with Shayne Gostisbehere who, despite missing games due to injury, remains among this year’s top offensive defensemen. On Gostisbehere’s playmaking ability, Tulsky stated: “He’s incredibly elusive and deceptive… He has an ability that not a lot of defensemen have… He’s looking for ways to create something that wasn’t just handed to him.”
With about a month until the NHL trade deadline—and following discussions published by Cory Lavalette—Tulsky explained his approach: “This time of year, it’s every day I’m on the phone… We need players to be available, and we need the price to be something that we can do… But we are shopping very aggressively…”
Asked whether trade negotiations were stressful or enjoyable at this stage in his tenure as GM (now in his second year), Tulsky responded: “It’s not stressful. I think the opportunity to look for ways to make the team better is fun… When everyone on the team is already really good, it’s hard to find those next steps.”
Looking ahead at potential improvements after injuries disrupted defensive consistency earlier this season—including limited play from Jaccob Slavin—Tulsky identified defending as an area where progress could be made: “Over the first half of the year… there have been times that our defending was not at [our usual] level… We’ve been giving up some premium Grade A chances… Some of that comes as we get healthy… As those guys get more comfortable they will more often be in position… So I expect to see that tighten up on its own…”
Reflecting on what he’s learned so far managing all aspects beyond roster decisions—from travel logistics to equipment staff—Tulsky said: “There’s an ongoing list of things that need my attention… I’ve gotten more comfortable with understanding what’s expected… how to keep everything running smoothly so no one has to think about anything except what they’re doing on ice…”
The Hurricanes play home games at Lenovo Center in Raleigh—a venue spanning over 700,000 square feet with amenities such as suites and multiple seating levels (https://www.lenovocenter.com/arena-info/venue-facts-history). The arena accommodates up to 20,000 spectators per event across more than 150 events annually while contributing over $200 million each year through economic activity linked with community engagement (https://www.lenovocenter.com/arena-info/venue-facts-history).
Notable contributors like Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour are recognized by induction into Carolina’s Hall of Fame (https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/team/hall-of-fame), reflecting both individual achievements and broader franchise milestones.
