Juuso Välimäki returns to NHL with Carolina Hurricanes

Defenseman Juuso Välimäki is set to make his regular-season debut for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Oct. 20. This marks his return to the NHL after a 632-day absence.

Välimäki’s hiatus followed an ACL injury in March 2025 that required surgery and sidelined him for approximately nine months. Following his recovery, he was traded to the Hurricanes and spent time playing for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he recorded 20 points in 24 regular-season games and 14 points in 21 Calder Cup playoff games.

After a strong preseason and training camp, Välimäki signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Hurricanes for the 2026-27 season. He was recalled to the NHL roster on Oct. 5.