RALEIGH, NC. -Before we know it, Carolina Hurricanes hockey will be back.
But until then, here are some events to keep in mind for the summer months.
June 28-29:NHL Draft
July 1:Free Agency Opens
Late-June/Early-July:2023-24 Regular Season Schedule Release
Early/Mid-July:Prospect Development Camp
Mid-September:Prospects Showcase Tournament
Last summer things were a bit more spaced out, with a handful of days being between the draft, the beginning of development camp, and the opening of free agency.
This time around? Buckle up.
The weekend pre-July 4 will be a whirlwind, with just 65 hours coming between the opening of Round 1 and the first hour of free agency.
Wednesday, June 28 & Thursday, June 29: NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville
After their 2021 first-round choice was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens as compensation for the Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet, the Canes are presently scheduled to make a selection in the opening round for the first time since 2020. Sitting at #30 overall, the team will hope to strike gold like they did two years ago when they selected Seth Jarvis with their first pick.
Round 1 will be Wednesday night, beginning at 7 p.m., while Rounds 2-7 will take place on Thursday, starting at 11 a.m.
Carolina currently holds a total of nine picks in this year's draft.
Their original third-round selection was dealt to San Jose in the trade for Brent Burns, but the team acquired a third-round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers last summer as a part of the package for Tony DeAngelo.
The club holds a second pick in the fifth-round via Vancouver and the Ethan Bear trade, and a second pick in the sixth-round via Chicago and a move made at last summer's draft that allowed the Blackhawks to make a pick at that spot.
ESPN holds the broadcast rights in the United States.
Saturday, July 1: NHL Free Agency Period Opens
When the clock hits 12 p.m., players without contracts for the 2023-24 season can begin signing with new clubs.
To learn more about who is either an unrestricted or restricted free agent, view the Hurricanes Contract Tracker here.
It is also worth noting that this is the first day that players entering the final year of their contract can sign an extension with their clubs.
July: 2023-24 NHL Schedule Release
Adding to what will certainly already be a busy stretch of a few weeks, the league is expected to release the schedule for the upcoming season not long after free agency opens.
For reference, last year the schedule was released on July 6, the day before the NHL Draft. It would not be surprising if they elected to take that route again this year.
Two years ago, the schedule was released on July 22.
Early/Mid-July: Prospect Development Camp
The Canes' 2023 draft selections, plus picks from recent years, will make their way to the Triangle for a week of familiarizing themselves with the organization, both on and off the ice.
This summer's event, like last summer's, is expected to be held at Invisalign Arena on the campus of Wake Competition Center.
More information regarding dates, times, and the potential ability to attend will be announced soon.
September:Prospects Showcase Tournament
After playing host last September for the first time, the Canes are expected to once again participate in a four-team Prospects Showcase this summer.
Last summer it was the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and Tampa Bay Lightning bringing a team of their prospects and invitees to Wake County for four days of head-to-head action.
The event normally serves as an unofficial kickoff for the upcoming season, with training camp beginning in just the days following. From training camp comes preseason and the exhibition contests lead right into regular season play.
Further information about the event is expected to become available soon.
