Jalen Chatfield Questionable for Conference Finals Game 1
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield is questionable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final series against the Florida Panthers, which could open the door for the postseason debut of 22-year-old Scott Morrow.
Chatfield missed Game 5 against the Washington Capitals in the previous round due to an undisclosed injury. Although he skated on Tuesday in Raleigh before Game 1, Morrow was paired with Shayne Gostisbehere during practice, while Morrow skated on a fourth pairing with Alexander Nikishin.
We’re still debating it. But I think it’s a good sign that he’s out there. If he’s ready to play, that will be determined shortly. He definitely wants to play, so we’ll see how the situation evolves.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour
If Chatfield can’t play, it looks like Morrow will be the one chosen. He’s in his second NHL season, having played two games in 2023-24 and 14 this season, with six points and 15:48 average time on ice. Morrow has been considered one of the top defensive prospects in the Hurricanes system since they drafted him 40th overall in the 2021 NHL draft. He spent three seasons with UMass in the NCAA before turning pro in 2024.
Morrow had 39 points in 52 games for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL this season.
He’s a right-handed defenseman like Chatfield, while Nikishin is left-handed. Coach Brind’Amour said that would be a factor in his decision.
He’s been here a little longer, he knows our system a little better than I think Nicky does. He played well when he came up. I think he’s earned the right to get a chance, so we’ll see.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour
The Hurricanes host Game 1 of the conference final at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. It’s a rematch of the 2023 conference final in which the Panthers eliminated Carolina in four games. Game 1 of that series, also held in Raleigh, was a four-overtime classic that ended with a goal by Matthew Tkachuk just 13 seconds into a fifth extra session.
