The 2025-26 NHL regular season begins on Oct. 7. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Last season: 47-30-5, second in Metropolitan Division; lost in Eastern Conference Final

Coach: Rod Brind'Amour (eighth season)

Biggest challenge

Finding the pairs that fit best is one of the Hurricanes' priorities in training camp after a second straight offseason of change on their defense that included the addition of K'Andre Miller , who signed an eight-year, $60 million contract ($7.5 million average annual value) after being acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers on July 1. The departures of Brent Burns (signed with Colorado Avalanche) and Dmitry Orlov (signed with San Jose Sharks) this offseason

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