The Carolina Hurricanes have received some disappointing news regarding an injured player. Charles Alexis Legault previously departed a matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 9 with a hand injury. The 22-year-old defenseman suffered the setback during a tussle with an opposing player moments after the first period ended.
During the incident, Legault evidently fell and cut his hand on a skate blade. The team’s medical staff was seen immediately tending to the player as his teammates left the ice. The rookie blueliner ended up leaving the game early to receive additional attention at a nearby hospital.
Carolina officials have now claimed that Legault suffered multiple torn extensor tendons in his right hand. The defenseman has also already undergone successful surgery on the hand in Raleigh. He, however, is now expected to miss three or four months of action. As a result, the Hurricanes have placed Legault on injured reserve.
Carolina Hurricanes Have Dealt With Injury Crisis Early in the Season
GettyThe Carolina Hurricanes are off to a strong start despite the injury crisis.
Legault’s injury is just the latest setback for the Hurricanes. Carolina has now lost eight total players due to injuries so far this season. The 2025-26 NHL campaign only just began in early October, and the Canes have played just 15 games.
Reporters asked Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour specifically about Legault’s big setback on November 11. “For him, I hate it because he was really starting to find his groove at this level,” replied Brind’Amour. “Hopefully, he’ll heal and be good to go. Tough one to swallow, but it is what it is.”
Not only has Carolina already faced adversity, but five of these injuries have occurred across their D line. Jaccob Slavin, Shayne Gostisbehere, K’Andre Miller, and Jalen Chatfield have all also missed multiple matches this season. Miller finally returned from his injury on November 6, but the remaining trio has yet to feature for the Canes since going down.
Despite the lengthy injury list, the Hurricanes are sitting second in the Metropolitan Division. They have, however, played one less game than the leading New Jersey Devils. After stumbling in late October, Carolina has managed to win four consecutive games without key players.
Shayne Gostisbehere Recovers from Lower-Body Injury
While the news regarding Legault is unfortunate, the Hurricanes are welcoming back Gostisbehere. The fellow blueliner has been out of action since leaving a matchup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in October. Nevertheless, Carolina has now officially activated the defenseman from injured reserve.
Reporters caught up with Gostisbehere in the locker room after practice on November 11. Media members asked the blueliner about the lengthy list of injuries to his defensive teammates. “I’ve been around some teams who have dealt with it, but I’ve never seen it just be one position,” said Gostisbehere. “It is unfortunate, for sure. But our organizational depth is pretty deep, and it’s shown.”
Carolina, with a healthy Gostisbehere, is scheduled to face the Washington Capitals on November 11. The game is a rematch of a recent 2025 second-round playoff series between the two sides. The Hurricanes went on to top their rivals by winning four of the first five games.
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