Overview

• Jalen Chatfield, a key defenseman for the Hurricanes, will miss Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final due to a lower-body injury sustained earlier in the playoffs.
• Chatfield's absence was confirmed after he participated in Tuesday's morning skate, but was deemed not ready to play by coach Rod Brind'Amour.
• Scott Morrow, a 22-year-old prospect and 2021 second-round draft pick, has been called up to replace Chatfield on the second defensive pairing.
• Morrow, who impressed in the AHL this season with 39 points in 52 games, will make his NHL postseason debut in the high-profile matchup.
• The Hurricanes face the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference final, with Game 1 set for Tuesday night in Raleigh.