The Hurricanes announced that they’ve activated defenseman Charles-Alexis Legault from injured reserve and assigned him to AHL Chicago. He had been out since early November due to surgery to repair several torn extensor tendons on his right hand.
Legault, 22, was one of Carolina’s sharpest risers in training camp. A fifth-round pick in 2023, he’s in just his second professional season after notching 14 points in 63 games for Chicago last year. He didn’t crack the Canes’ opening night roster but found his way back up after just two AHL games when Carolina’s defense was in disarray due to injuries.
The 6’4″, 220-lb righty played in eight games for the Canes before sustaining his hand injury in a fight against the Maple Leafs on Nov. 9. He registered his first two NHL points, a goal and an assist, with a +4 rating while averaging 13:16 per game. He had great underlying possession numbers in his small sample, controlling 57.8% of shot attempts at even strength.
That surely has Carolina excited about his defensive upside, but with their defense back at full health, there’s no role for him right now. He’ll get some more consistent reps in Chicago before entering the final season of his entry-level deal and gunning for more ice time next season. Regardless, he’s still rather high up on their list of right-shot recalls if they need one.