Overview
- Carolina called up AHL netminder Amir Miftakhov on Thursday just hours before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final to add emergency depth to its playoff crease.
- Frederik Andersen was struck in the head in Game 3, missed Game 4 and was officially held out for “maintenance,” with the timing of the recall prompting reports that he may be dealing with a concussion.
- Rookie Brandon Bussi started and won Game 4 and is expected to draw the start in Game 5 with Pyotr Kochetkov listed as the behind-the-scenes depth option.
- The recall creates a goaltending shortfall for the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, because starter Cayden Primeau is listed as questionable and the Wolves may need to begin the Calder Cup Final with a third-string goalie.
- If both clubs win their series, the Hurricanes and Wolves would complete a rare NHL–AHL title sweep, and Miftakhov’s move highlights how NHL playoff roster choices can directly reshape AHL finals rosters.