The Carolina Hurricanes are currently navigating the 2025-26 NHL season with a record of 28-14-3, placing them first in the Metropolitan Division. Coach Rod Brind'Amour continues to lead the team, with Jordan Staal serving as the captain.

A significant development this season is the emergence of a dominant top line, which has created an opportunity to experiment with Seth Jarvis at the center position. This strategic shift addresses a long-standing need for a strong second-line center.

The Hurricanes' revamped top line consists of Nikolaj Ehlers and Andrei Svechnikov flanking Sebastian Aho. Since being united on New Year's Day, this trio has been a force, providing the Hurricanes with consistent game-winning scoring. Their performance has been described as "staggering," with each player accumulating at least eight points in their first seven games together. At 5-on-5, the line has scored six goals while allowing five. Aho notably scored five points in their first game as a unit.

Seth Jarvis, known for his two-way abilities and experience playing center for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League, is a strong internal candidate for the center position. Jarvis is a right-handed player, which is something the Hurricanes lack in the middle. He has earned the trust of his coach and has expressed openness to playing center if needed. Before his injury, Jarvis had 19 goals and 10 assists in 34 games.

There was disappointment for Jarvis as he was not selected for the initial Team Canada Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Games. Despite this, he remains on standby as a potential injury replacement.

The Hurricanes have faced challenges with injuries this season. Jarvis himself recently returned to the lineup after an eight-game absence due to an upper-body injury sustained in December.

The Hurricanes' schedule continues with multiple home and away games.