Hurricanes Trio Avoid Surgery as Jarvis Eyes Olympic Comeback and Defensemen Focus on Recovery

Three key players for the Carolina Hurricanes—defensemen Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker, and forward Seth Jarvis—confirmed they will not undergo surgery for lingering injuries following the team’s playoff exit.

Chatfield cited a hip injury that sidelined him for the final six games, while Walker’s shoulder issue resurfaced after a hit during the Eastern Conference Final. Jarvis, who led the team in regular-season goals and playoff points, will continue rehab on his right shoulder, opting for a non-surgical route for the second straight offseason.

Jarvis Chooses Rehab Over Surgery, Aiming For Olympics And Full Recovery

Chatfield, a second-pair defenseman, initially left the lineup during the second-round series against Washington and did not return through Carolina’s eventual elimination by Florida. He revealed that a hip injury had made it nearly impossible to skate effectively, though he was close to returning by the final game. His absence was a significant blow, especially as Carolina struggled to maintain defensive stability against the Panthers without his presence.

Walker, another vital piece on the blue line, missed the last three games of the Florida series following a heavy hit by A.J. Greer in Game 2. He had been managing a minor shoulder injury from the regular season, which had been improving until the hit caused a major setback. Though disappointed about not returning, Walker confirmed he did not require surgery and would have aimed for a return in the Stanley Cup Final if Carolina had advanced.

Jarvis Chooses Rehab Over Surgery, Aiming For Olympics And Full Recovery

Jarvis, who was Carolina’s top scorer both in the regular season and playoffs, has been managing a shoulder issue for over a year. He opted again for a strengthening and rehab protocol over surgery, citing both pain tolerance and long-term goals such as participating in the 2026 Olympics as reasons for his decision. Jarvis said the injury doesn’t significantly limit his on-ice performance, though it requires careful management, including wearing a brace.

Despite injuries, the Hurricanes maintained their streak of winning at least one playoff series for seven consecutive years. This year’s campaign ended in the Eastern Conference Final after a loss to the defending champion Florida Panthers. The absence of two key defensemen and the management of Jarvis’ injury highlighted the physical toll of a deep postseason run. Still, the players’ commitment to recovery over surgery suggests optimism for a strong return next season.