Metropolitan Notes: Hurricanes, Farabee, Haman Aktell

Carolina finds itself without an AHL affiliate for the upcoming season after Chicago opted to become an independent franchise.  Speaking with reporters today including Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer, GM Don Waddell indicated that he is in discussions with a handful of teams about loaning out some of their prospects.  The Hurricanes opted to loan several European players overseas for 2023-24, a move that Waddell acknowledged wasn’t ideal but was workable for 2023-24.  Waddell hopes that Carolina will once again have its own affiliate for 2024-25 and are looking into potential options but with 32 AHL franchises and Chicago’s desire to be an independent one, one NHL team will be in this situation each season moving forward.

More from the Metropolitan:

• This time last summer, Flyers winger Joel Farabee was recovering from undergoing artificial disk replacement surgery in his neck and wasn’t able to get in a full summer of training. Speaking with NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman, the 23-year-old indicated that there are no lingering issues from the procedure which has allowed him to have a more traditional offseason in terms of preparation.  Farabee is coming off a 15-goal, 24-assist season, an output that was lower than expected but with a full summer under his belt, he could be a bounce-back candidate for Philadelphia this coming season.
• Allan Mitchell of The Athletic recently examined (subscription link) some of the top NHL-affiliated players that didn’t suit up at the top level last season. Atop his list was Capitals free agent signing Hardy Haman Aktell who inked an entry-level agreement back in April.  The 25-year-old had a breakout year last season with Vaxjo of the SHL with Mitchell honing in on his even-strength goal differential as an element that could get him an opportunity with Washington sooner than later.