Cayden Primeau: Resilience and Future with the Hurricanes

Cayden Primeau navigated a tumultuous 2025-26 season. After starting training camp with the Carolina Hurricanes, he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs. A few weeks later, the Hurricanes reacquired him. He finished the season with the Chicago Wolves, helping them reach the Calder Cup Final. As the 2026-27 season approaches, Primeau looks ahead.

A Whirlwind Season Between Carolina and Toronto

Being claimed off waivers twice, with the second claim bringing him back to his original team, was an unusual path for Primeau. He played three games for the Maple Leafs before returning to the Hurricanes' organization. With the Wolves, he posted a 21-11-7 record, a 2.41 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage, and four shutouts in 39 games.

Primeau's focus last season was on taking things one day at a time, rather than dwelling on the early-season changes. This approach contributed to the Wolves' Calder Cup Final appearance.

Reflecting on maintaining this mindset, Primeau shared, "That was exactly it, just trying to take it day by day. The beginning of the year was a little bit of a whirlwind, you know, because I had come here [Raleigh] and it was all fresh. It was my first time here as well, so meeting new people, being in a new environment, and then going to Toronto, same thing. Same thing in Chicago, but at least I had some familiarity with the players and the staff, so that made the transition there really easy."

"And then, obviously, yeah, being able to go deep was special. And I think we have, you know, a lot of great guys coming back, and hopefully, the good additions that can get us over the hump, and we’ll come out on top this year," he added.

Returning After Signing a Two-Year Extension

Following the 2025-26 season, Primeau became a restricted free agent. The Hurricanes offered him a qualifying offer, and on September 9th, a deal was finalized. Primeau signed a two-year, $1.83 million extension, securing his place with the organization through the 2027-28 season.

His return is a solid move for the Hurricanes, positioning him as the third goaltender behind Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov. Earlier in June, Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky commented on Primeau, stating, "He’s a very good goalie who’s also capable of playing NHL games if we need him to."

When asked about the straightforward decision to return for two more seasons, Primeau explained, "I mean… it’s not often that the NHL club wins the Stanley Cup, and then the AHL affiliate makes it to the [Calder Cup] finals. So it just shows the depth in the organization, and I mean, ever since I got here last year, I wanted to be here. It’s a great environment, great culture. Guys are great, and everyone’s pushing to be the best version of themselves, whether that’s here or in Chicago. You know, it all rang true."

While "culture" can be a common term in sports, it holds particular truth for the Hurricanes. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour's leadership extends throughout the system, influencing coaches like the Wolves’ Spiros Anastas, who excels at motivating and connecting with his players.

Shifting Mindset for 2026-27

Similar to other players focusing on the present, Primeau emphasizes controlling what he can. Last season is behind him; the focus is now on 2026-27. While the Wolves' Western Conference championship was a significant achievement, the ultimate goal is to win the Calder Cup.

On the shift in mindset for the upcoming season, Primeau stated, "Every year is a new year. It doesn’t matter where you were, if you were at the top or at the bottom; you know the end goal is to be the last team standing. So that’s the goal every year.

And like I said, both teams, obviously the NHL, everyone’s back for the most part. And then same thing in Chicago, you know, the depth that I mentioned and the prospects. Everyone that had come back has come back. Yeah, it’s exciting, but as you said, you just gotta put it behind you. It’s a new year."

This drive to continuously improve, rather than resting on past successes, makes the Hurricanes and the Wolves compelling teams to follow. They consistently strive for betterment each season and every day.

A Potentially Strong Goaltending Trio with the Wolves

The goaltending situation with the Wolves is poised to be a key storyline this season. Primeau will share duties with last season's tandem partner, Ruslan Khazheyev, and veteran netminder Zach Sawchenko, who previously played for the Wolves in the 2022-23 season. This could form a formidable goaltending trio.

Discussing the addition of Sawchenko and the potential of this goaltending group, Primeau commented, "Yeah, it’s huge. I’ve been fortunate to have some great goalie partners throughout my career, so adding to the arsenal of some great goalies. But yeah, to have Sawzy come back, he’s familiar with the organization, familiar with Chicago, so that’s huge, that experience. But we’re all pushing each other. We all want the job at the end of the day. So it’s a good, friendly competition."

This season promises to be exciting for Primeau and the Wolves as they aim to defend their Western Conference title and compete for the Calder Cup. Depending on the Hurricanes' needs, Primeau might also see time in Raleigh, a task he is prepared for if called upon. His immediate focus remains on day-by-day progress and controlling what he can.