NHL Rumors: Latest Update on Hurricanes' Defenseman

After what was once expected to be a healthy season it turns out things have turned bad to worse for Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jake Gardiner. His back injury has flared up and Gardiner's expected to start the season on the LTIR.

The Hurricanes training camp roster and schedule are out. Jake Gardiner is indeed not on the roster. pic.twitter.com/SkVOpRsQf5

— Cory Lavalette (@corylav) September 20, 2022

Pre-camp update: Jake Gardiner not expected to be in training camp with Hurricanes this week. Likely to end up on LTIR again.

— Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) September 19, 2022

So what happened in the last 3 months?
Well, Jake Gardiner caught a case of "cap-itus". An affliction that commonly affects players that teams desperately need to be on LTIR pic.twitter.com/yUSByik2iN

— Dobber (@DobberHockey) September 19, 2022

After signing a four-year contract with Carolina back in 2019, it's been a grind for Gardiner as a Hurricane. He's only played in 94 games with the 'Canes, registering 32 points. Sounds like unfortunately Gardiner's playing days could be behind him.

Photo credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports