Revving Up for Redemption: 3 Carolina Hurricanes Set to Bounce Back in the 2024-25 NHL Season
Frederik Andersen
Goaltender Frederik Andersen is a key bounce-back candidate for the Hurricanes in 2024-25. After a strong 2021-22 season where he posted a 35-14-3 record with a 2.17 goals-against average and .922 save percentage, Andersen struggled with injuries in 2022-23, appearing in only 43 games. He finished the season with a 27-11-0 record, 2.48 GAA, and .903 save percentage.The Hurricanes will be counting on a healthy and productive Andersen to anchor their goaltending in 2024-25. At 34 years old, Andersen has the experience and talent to bounce back, but will need to stay on the ice. If he can return to his 2021-22 form, it will go a long way towards the Hurricanes’ success next season.
Seth Jarvis
Forward Seth Jarvis is another Hurricanes player poised for a breakout in 2024-25. The 21-year-old had a solid rookie season in 2022-23, scoring 19 goals and adding 31 assists in 82 games. However, he struggled in the playoffs, with just 2 goals and 3 assists in 14 games as the Hurricanes were swept by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals.Jarvis has the skill and pedigree to be a top-line forward in the NHL. The Hurricanes will likely look to lock him up to a long-term contract this offseason to keep him in Raleigh for his prime years. If he can take the next step in his development and produce at a point-per-game pace, Jarvis could be a 30-goal, 70-point player in 2024-25. His emergence would be a huge boost to the Hurricanes’ offense.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, is another Hurricanes player who could break out in 2024-25. The 23-year-old center had 14 goals and 29 assists in 79 games in 2022-23, solid production but not quite what the Hurricanes were hoping for when they signed him to an offer sheet.With a full season under his belt in Carolina’s system, Kotkaniemi has the potential to take a big leap in 2024-25. He has the size, skill and hockey IQ to be a dominant two-way center in the NHL. If he can put it all together, Kotkaniemi could be a 20-25 goal, 60-point player who also excels defensively and on the penalty kill.The Hurricanes will need Kotkaniemi to take on a bigger role with the potential departures of Vincent Trocheck and Max Domi in free agency. If he can seize that opportunity and become a consistent offensive threat while maintaining his strong defensive game, Kotkaniemi will be a key piece of the Hurricanes’ core for years to come.