stormTRacker Podcast

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...stormTRacker Podcast is your home for in-depth analysis of the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Wolves & Canes' prospects around the globe. Host Tom Ray is joined by regular contributors, "hockey savants" Erin Manning & Katie Bartlett, as well as "Insiders" Nick Bass (Canes Prospects) & Andrew Rinaldi (on Tap Sports Chicago), to cover all the top stories of your Carolina Hurricanes & Hurricanes' prospects. In addition, from time-to-time, Tom welcomes special guests to the podcast.There is also stormTRacker Website (www.stormtracker23.com), which features a blogger section, highlighting the latest blogs from Nick Bass, Erin Manning, Katie Bartlett & Rachel Barkley as well as stormTRacker Shoppe, your home for all stormTRacker merchandise. Tom is also active on "X" connecting with other Hurricanes' fans on a regular basis (@stormTRacker24) as well as Facebook.

  1. Can The Chicago Wolves Fix It In Time? | Defense & Goaltending Crisis

    5D AGO

    Can The Chicago Wolves Fix It In Time? | Defense & Goaltending Crisis

    March punched the Chicago Wolves right in the mouth. After a 3-8-3 stretch with blown leads, cold scoring in tight games, and real goaltending worries, we’re still looking at a team sitting in second place and trying to get its edge back before the AHL playoffs. That contrast is what makes this conversation so important: the Wolves aren’t doomed, but the margin for “we’ll figure it out later” is basically gone. We’re joined by Wolves "Insider" Andrew Rinaldi to sort through what’s actually happening. We talk injuries and how missing key pieces turns the lineup into a blender, why that breaks chemistry, and how it shows up in effort patterns like waiting for the game to come to you. From there we dig into the players who can pull the Wolves out of this, starting with the “Fab Four” and what Felix Unger Sorum’s strength gains reveal about prospect development in the AHL. We also hit Bradly Nadeau’s two-way growth, Justin Robidas’ all-ice reliability, and Domenick Fensore’s value as a bulldog mentor on the blue line. Then we get into the pressure points: Juuso Välimäki’s absence, Viktor Neuchev’s struggle to turn tools into results, Ronan Seeley’s unsung steadiness, and the goaltending spiral that can demoralize an entire bench. We close by looking ahead to critical games against Texas and what the Wolves must clean up now to set a playoff tone. Subscribe for more Chicago Wolves and Carolina Hurricanes prospect coverage, share this with a fellow AHL fan, and leave a review. What’s the single biggest fix you want to see before the postseason starts? Highlights: • Injuries disrupting cohesion and forcing constant line changes • Why missing Robidas and Valimaki changes the entire feel • Blown leads and inconsistent 60-minute efforts • The “Fab Four” check-in and what each player brings • Felix Unger Sorum’s surge tied to lower body strength • Bradly Nadeau’s growth away from the puck and playoff importance • Robidas as the motor that drives details and reliability • Domenick Fensore’s role as a mentor and matchup horse • Viktor Neuchev’s struggle framed as a confidence and system puzzle • Ronan Seeley as the steady unsung backbone on defense • Noel Gunler heading back to Sweden and what it says about trajectory • Charlie Cerrato on a PTO and why opportunity is wide open • Goaltending concerns and why confidence in the crease affects everyone • Texas as the tone-setting opponent before a likely postseason meeting #canes #erictulsky #raiseup #carolinahurricanes #stormtracker23 #bradlynadeau #podcast #lockedonhurricanes #thehockeyguy #spirosanastas #chicagowolves #darrenyorke #ahl #Justinrobidas #carolinaculture #chicagowolves Send us Fan Mail

    1h 2m
  2. Hurricanes Top Prospects February 2026 | Ryabkin's Takeover & Nadeau's Game-Changing Playmaking

    MAR 27

    Hurricanes Top Prospects February 2026 | Ryabkin's Takeover & Nadeau's Game-Changing Playmaking

    One month can change a prospect’s trajectory, and February did exactly that for the Carolina Hurricanes pipeline. We sit down with Nick Bass from Canes Prospects to rank our top five prospects of the month, starting with Ivan Ryabkin’s instant takeover in Charlottetown and moving through a Chicago Wolves core that keeps forcing bigger conversations about NHL readiness. We dig into what makes Bradly Nadeau so hard to defend beyond the obvious radar-gun shot, how his playmaking is catching up to the release, and what his upper-body injury could mean heading into the AHL playoff stretch. We also hit Justin Robidas’s scoring pace and why his game screams “useful NHL role,” even if the Canes already have a crowd of similar forwards competing for minutes. On the back end of the list, Yegor Velmakin’s standout run in Russia raises a bigger organizational question: what does Carolina do with its goaltending depth when so many contracts and rights decisions are coming due? From there, we widen the lens with honorable mentions and development checkpoints, including Felix Anger Sorum’s rebound season,Kurban Limatov’s tools and timeline, and Jayden Perron’s surge at Michigan. We close by sorting through expiring Russian contracts, NCAA decisions like the Charlie Cerrato watch, and why college free agency rarely becomes Carolina’s main pipeline strategy. If you enjoy smart, grounded prospect talk, subscribe, share the show with a Canes fan, and leave a review so more people can find us. Highlights: • Ivan Ryabkin’s immediate impact in Charlottetown and what his playmaking shows • Bradly Nadeau’s shot profile, evolving all-around game, and injury update • Josh Nadeau signing with Laval and what it says about his projection • Yegor Velmakin’s standout February in the VHL and what comes next • Justin Robidas’s AHL scoring run, intelligence, and NHL role debate • Felix Anger Sorum’s rebound season and why an NHL debut feels close • Honorable mentions including Filip Eckberg, Kurban Limatov, Jayden Perron, and Stanislav Yarovoy. • Expiring Russian contracts and how playing time drives North America decisions • Goalie rights and why Velmakin versus Vondras is a tough call • NCAA outlook for Perron, Justin Poirier, and the Charlie Cerrato watch • Why Carolina rarely plays the college free agent game • What we’re watching in the playoffs and how the Canes approach the draft #canes #hockey #carolinahurricanes #stormtracker23 #canesprospects #thehockeyguy #topshelfhockey #lockedonhurricanes #ahl #chicagowolves #alexandernikishin #bradlynadeau #KHL #darrenyorke Send us Fan Mail

    44 min
  3. First Place Doesn't Feel Safe: What's Wrong With the Hurricanes

    MAR 20

    First Place Doesn't Feel Safe: What's Wrong With the Hurricanes

    Fourteen games in 28 days can make a great team look ordinary fast, and that’s the tension hanging over the Carolina Hurricanes right now. We’re sitting in first place, but the wins and losses have turned into a pattern and the “Canes hockey” identity is showing cracks at the worst possible time. Erin, Katie & I talk through what we’re actually seeing on the ice: stretches where the forecheck is not arriving with the usual bite, more rush chances against, and a defensive game that feels a step less connected. At the same time, we dig into the evolution Carolina has been chasing all season, adding more transition offense and controlled entries so the scoring isn’t dependent on a perfect cycle. That balance matters in the NHL playoffs, where elite teams break forechecks and punish mistakes. Special teams get a full checkup. We break down the power play with Alex Nikishin quarterbacking versus what Shane Gostisbehere brings when healthy, plus why teams are starting to cheat toward the shot threat. We also get into the penalty kill slide after the Olympic break, how a condensed schedule limits practice time, and how lineup availability can scramble the usual PK pairs. Then we tackle the hard topic: goaltending. The numbers are under .900, the chances are too dangerous, and the team still needs that one extra save that swings a game. On the bright side, we spotlight the forwards fueling real confidence: Andrei Svechnikov’s surge as a true power forward, Nikolaj Ehlers creating offense out of nothing, and the Stankoven line bringing electricity and depth scoring. We also look ahead to playoff matchups and what Carolina can do right now to finish strong and stay healthy. If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe, share the show with a fellow Canes fan, and leave a review with your take on the biggest fix before the postseason. Highlights: condensed schedule pressure and the importance of building momentum • why Carolina’s forecheck and shot volume are slipping some nights • balancing transition offense with five man team defense • unforced penalties and the need for discipline • defense pairings, heavy minutes, and what Gostisbehere’s return changes • power play adjustments with Nikishin versus Gostisbehere • penalty kill drop after the break and the impact of limited practice time • goaltending concerns under .900 and the need for timely saves • Svechnikov’s surge as a true power forward on the top line • Ehlers as a game changer and a driver of power play creation • Stankoven line growth and playoff matchup questions on the road • fourth line options including heavier looks for physical opponents #canes #hockey #erictulsky #raiseup #stormtracker23 #rodbrindamour #lockedonhurricanes #Canescast #thestormsurge #AlexanderNikishin #carolinahurricanes #JaccobSlavin #causechaos #sebastianaho #andreisvechnikov #nikolajehlers Send us Fan Mail

    1h 7m
  4. Carolina's Calculated Deadline Gamble | Depth Over Rentals

    MAR 7

    Carolina's Calculated Deadline Gamble | Depth Over Rentals

    A 11-1-2 heater, a power play reborn, and a front office that chose clarity over chaos—this one digs into why standing pat can be a power move. Erin, Katie & I open with the Canes’ surge and how a simple shift in roles turned the man advantage from a frustration into a weapon: Gostisbehere steering from the point, Staal owning draws and vision lines, and Aho, Svechnikov, and Jarvis snapping passes through pressure. From there, we unpack the one trade that did happen—Nick Deslauriers for a seventh—and what a true fourth‑line identity can do in a grind‑heavy series without dragging the team into bad penalties. Goaltending takes center ice as we weigh Frederik Andersen’s calm against Brandon Bussi’s breakout, why a playoff rotation might work, and how team defense can lower the temperature on high‑danger chances. We also revisit an overlooked edge: organizational depth that reduces the need for an emergency rental, plus encouraging noise around Pyotr Kochetkov’s timeline. Then we scan the East. Tampa Bay’s core still scares us, but few rivals made decisive upgrades. Buffalo got bigger and braver, the Islanders got tougher under Patrick Roy, and Detroit shored up the blue line—yet questions remain in net and top‑six punch across the board. We close by looking West, where Colorado methodically addressed center depth and defensive balance, and why that matters for any June collision. Dallas and Minnesota made targeted adds, while Vegas stayed unusually quiet, signaling a different kind of spring in the desert. Through it all, our focus stays local: how Carolina protects its identity through a brutal March, when to rest veterans, and why special teams could be the lever that moves tight series. If you believe chemistry and clarity beat deadline chaos, you’ll feel seen here—and if you don’t, we want to hear your case. Highlights: • Power play rebuilt around Gostisbehere’s puck movement and Staal’s net‑front • Second unit pace through Nikishin and quick exits • Deslauriers as depth for a heavier fourth line and matchup flexibility • Discipline vs physical edge trade‑offs on the fourth line • Confidence in Andersen and Bussi with rotation upside • Five‑on‑five depth scoring consistency beyond Aho’s line • Eastern rivals’ modest moves and real threats assessment • Western arms race highlights Avalanche upgrades and playoff shape • Schedule management, rest planning, and home‑ice chase • Stretch goals for maintaining form and special teams advantage Enjoyed the breakdown? Follow the show, share this episode with a fellow Caniac, and leave a quick review so more fans can find us. #canes #hockey #erictulsky #raiseup #stormtracker23 #lockedonhurricanes #Canescast #thestormsurge #AlexanderNikishin #carolinahurricanes #JaccobSlavin #causechaos #sebastianaho #nhltradedeadline #nhltrades #carolinaculture #erictulsky Send us Fan Mail

    54 min
  5. Coach Spiros Breaks Down What's Making Chicago Dangerous

    FEB 28

    Coach Spiros Breaks Down What's Making Chicago Dangerous

    A seven-win surge, a locker room wired for growth, and a coach who treats the AHL like the on-ramp to the NHL—this one is packed. We welcome Chicago Wolves' head coach, Spiros Anastas, to unpack how aligned systems with Carolina, constant communication, and a summer-to-spring development plan transform prospects into plug-and-play call-ups. From practice habits to video use to load management, we pull the curtain on what actually prepares young players to hit the NHL at speed. We dig into the Fab Four and why their games took a leap. Bradly Nadeau moved beyond the lethal one-timer to create off the rush, from the corners, and on retrievals with real bite. Justin Robidas brings pro-level detail—nutrition, mobility, faceoffs, PK chops—and leads with standards that lift the room. Felix Unger Sorum added strength and pace to match his vision, turning puck protection into a playmaking clinic. On the blue line, Domenick Fensore supercharges transition and five-on-five offense by getting pucks to high-skill forwards in stride. Veteran reinforcements reshaped the back end at the perfect time. Juuso Välimäki’s poise and voice stabilize the top power play while Cal Foote’s size and simplicity lock down high-leverage minutes. Health returns matter too: Yoel Nystrom’s low-event efficiency and Charles-Alexis Legault’s suffocating close give the staff true mix-and-match options—go heavier against cycle teams or faster versus speed lines. Up front, Viktor Neuchev arrived with strong habits and sly edges, and center Noah Philp adds length, draws, and accountability, slotting seamlessly beside cerebral wingers. We also spotlight the “unsung” impact players who tilt games: Skyler Brind’Amour’s faceoffs and forecheck drive tough-matchup minutes; Noel Gunler’s defensive growth adds value beyond his shot; and Evan Vierling’s crease instincts turn chaos into goals. For prospects like Ivan Ryabkin, Gleb Trikozov, and Dominik Badinka, the message is consistent: build habits, manage pace, and learn to sustain performance across a longer, harder season. With March loaded and Grand Rapids looming, we map why Chicago believes it matches up: youthful legs, structured play, a primed power play, and a blue line that can toggle styles on demand. Loved the deep dive? Follow, share with a Wolves or Canes fan, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show. Highlights: • Takeaways from best-on-best Olympic hockey and its ripple effects • Global coaching lessons that sharpen communication and teaching • Shared systems with Carolina that speed up NHL transitions • Nadeau’s diversified offense and growing edge • Robidas’ leadership, versatility and faceoff strength • Unger Sorum’s stronger frame, elite vision and assist surge • Fensore’s puck-moving engine for five-on-five offense • Veteran impact from Välimäki and Foote on stability and special teams • Neuchev’s habits-first arrival and creative upside • Philp’s two-way center game and timely scoring • Returns of Nystrom and Legault and flexible pairings • Unsung value from Brind’Amour, Gunler and Vierling • Prospect progress for Ryabkin, Trikozov and Badinka • Trade deadline realities and mentality for AHL volatility • Why Chicago matches up well with Grand Rapids Send us Fan Mail

    1h 23m
  6. Canes’ Goalie Bet, Trade Deadline Fireworks & an Olympic Afterglow

    FEB 25

    Canes’ Goalie Bet, Trade Deadline Fireworks & an Olympic Afterglow

    Overtime chaos, gold medal chills, and a surge of new hockey fans set the stage for one of our most pivotal weeks of the season. We bring the Olympic fire back home and dig into what it means for the Carolina Hurricanes right now: who stood out on international ice, where the team gains an edge, and how a savvy goalie deal could reshape a playoff run. First, we break down the highlights from men’s and women’s hockey—tight finishes, three-on-three debates, and the pure adrenaline that pulls non-fans into the sport. From Sebastian Aho’s leadership with Finland to Martin Nečas driving Czechia’s attack, plus an eye on Switzerland and Slovakia’s revelations, we map out why high-stakes games create believers and what that momentum can do for NHL viewership in March. Then we turn to the headline at home: Brandon Bussi’s three-year, $1.9M AAV contract. We explain why this is exactly the kind of cap-efficient bet that lets a contender chase ceiling without squeezing the roster elsewhere. With Andersen steady and Kochetkov in the wings, Bussey’s rise could be the quiet advantage the East doesn’t see coming. The heart of the episode is the deadline board. We make the case for a true 2C—how one player can unlock matchups, ease Aho’s load, and stabilize a power play that needs layers, not hopes. We compare fits and costs for Robert Thomas and EP40, and yes, we workshop the Austin Matthews scenario: size, two-way impact, and the kind of move that resets a conference. If a premier center doesn’t shake loose, we weigh a top-six wing like Jordan Kyrou and the value of a dependable depth center to protect against injuries when the grind bites back. Finally, we trace the line where Eric Tulsky’s data-led roster building meets Rod Brind’Amour’s two-way demands. The sweet spot is pressure that turns into goals without giving it back—no turtling with leads, more control through the middle, and a forecheck that still has teeth in the third. If you’re eyeing the Canes’ cap space, prospect war chest, and a Western road swing that could sharpen edges before March 6, this is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a fellow Caniac, and drop your dream 2C (or boldest trade pitch) in a review—we’re reading them all. Highlights: • Olympic highlights and overtime stakes • Aho, Nečas, and surprise standouts • Post-Olympic rust and reentry games • Brandon Bussi’s three-year value deal • Goalie depth, Andersen health, Kochetkov timeline • Non-negotiable prospect keepers on defense • The 2C dilemma and big-swing targets • Robert Thomas vs EP40 price and fit • The Matthews scenario and cap math • If no 2C, wing upgrades and pitfalls • Tulsky’s analytics with Rod’s two-way system • Holding leads without turtling • Road trip goals and deadline timing Send us Fan Mail

    1h 8m
  7. Wolves Stars and Russian Defenders | Hurricanes Pipeline Delivers

    FEB 16

    Wolves Stars and Russian Defenders | Hurricanes Pipeline Delivers

    Prospect hype is easy. Proof is harder. Nick Bass (Canes Prospects) & I spent January chasing the proof across leagues, and the Hurricanes pipeline delivered: a Wolves top line that terrorizes the AHL, a college playmaker finally freed, and two Russian defenders whose feet might be their ticket to Raleigh. We open with Jakub Vondras, the 6'4 goalie sharpening his angles and lateral power in Czechia, then head to Ann Arbor where Jayden Perron’s touch, pace, and vision have clicked on Michigan’s top unit. Chicago steals the spotlight as Felix Unger Sorum bulks up, embraces contact, and turns shifts into assists, while Bradly Nadeau evolves from “elite shot” to trusted penalty killer and five-on-five driver. Top it off with Justin Robidas, the relentless 5'8 engine mixing goals, takeaways, and special teams minutes that make coaches trust him late in games. The blue line buzz brings us to Russia: Timur Kol logging heavy MHL minutes and running a power play with a heavy shot, and Kurban Limatov flying in transition with elite skating, building a profile that fits the modern NHL. We zoom out to Oskar Vuollet’s midseason reset in the SHL and Stanislav Yarovoy stabilizing in the VHL, then wrestle with the Alexander Nikishin question—usage, learning curve, and why patience can still be a plan. Along the way, we connect these arcs to trade deadline calculus: who has real value now, who projects higher, and how this depth gives Carolina options without mortgaging tomorrow. If you’re scouting for impact, development trends, and honest NHL timelines, you’ll find clear markers here: role trust, special teams usage, and production that travels. Subscribe, share with a fellow Canes fan, and drop your pick for the next call-up—who’s your must-watch prospect right now? Highlights: • Vondras’ size, lateral reads, and steady Czech form • Perron’s top-line usage, power-play touch, and consistency at Michigan • Unger Sorum’s strength gains, playmaking surge, and contact comfort • Nadeau’s two-way leap, PK trust, elite shot, and NHL timeline • Robidas’ versatility, scoring run, and size skepticism debunked • Wolves’ top line driving AHL results • Kol and Limatov’s MHL pace, size, and transition upside • Vuollet's turnaround in the SHL and increased usage • Yarovoy’s stabilization in the VHL and creative flashes • Trikozov’s adaptation year and off-ice context • Nikishin’s usage, PP reps, and NHL speed adjustment • Prospect depth vs deadline leverage and future blue line tiers #canes #hockey #carolinahurricanes #stormtracker23 #canesprospects #thehockeyguy #topshelfhockey #lockedonhurricanes #ahl #chicagowolves #alexandernikishin #bradlynadeau #KHL #darrenyorke Send us Fan Mail

    34 min
  8. Second line fixes vs. deadline targets | What moves the needle most for the Canes?

    FEB 10

    Second line fixes vs. deadline targets | What moves the needle most for the Canes?

    A 12-1-3 heater into the Olympic break sounds simple on paper, but the real story is how Carolina kept winning when the script flipped. Some nights belonged to a revived power play that finally moved with purpose. Others swung on a goalie who refused to blink. We pull apart the layers behind the surge and map what must hold—and what must change—before the sprint to the playoffs. Erin, Katie & I start with Jordan Staal’s surprising scoring revival: smarter patience at the net, better angles, and leadership that travels to every game state. From there, we dig into the power play’s reinvention, spotlighting Shane Gostisbehere’s constant motion at the point, cleaner entries, and a renewed commitment to shots through layers. Then comes the crease. Brandon Bussi’s edge is confidence wrapped in aggression, playing atop the crease, trusting his defense to clear rebounds, and turning two-or-fewer against into a trend. With Frederik Andersen steadying the rotation, the net no longer feels like a weekly question mark—it feels like an advantage. On the blue line, Jaccob Slavin restores calm and structure, while one pairing of two roamers needs a touch of restraint so nobody vacates the house. Up front, Andrei Svechnikov’s heater gives the first line bite and swagger, but the second line lacks cohesion and interior chances. That’s where the deadline calculus tightens: we weigh center vs winger, cap space vs thin picks, and the reality that true top-six centers draw a crowd. We name realistic targets, consider internal shuffles, and keep an eye on an Olympic wildcard—injuries or shutdowns that could redraw the market overnight. The playoff picture is already teasing matchups, from a fun, high-event tilt with Buffalo to a grind against the Islanders and a locked-in Sorokin. Our takeaways are clear: if the power play stays real, the kill stays sharp, and Bussey stays hot, Carolina’s adaptability becomes their edge when the ice shrinks.  Just a heads-up, next week we will deliver a special Mailbag episode, so please send in your questions in the comment section & we will do our best to include them the podcast. Highlights: • Top-of-Metro surge driven by resilience and versatility • Jordan Staal’s finishing spike and leadership value • Power play movement with Gostisbehere’s point control • Bussi’s aggressive form and goalie rotation plans • Blue line stability with Slavin and pairing tweaks needed • Svechnikov’s heater and first-line identity • Second-line cohesion issues and center vs winger debate • Deadline strategy, cap space, and realistic targets • Playoff matchup scenarios and bubble team threats • Olympic injuries as a market and standings X-factor Hit play, join the debate on the second line fix, and ride with us through the break as we track the trade board and the sprint to spring. Subscribe, share with a fellow Caniac, and drop your dream deadline addition in the comments—who moves the needle most for a deep run? Send us Fan Mail

    1h 10m
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About

...stormTRacker Podcast is your home for in-depth analysis of the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Wolves & Canes' prospects around the globe. Host Tom Ray is joined by regular contributors, "hockey savants" Erin Manning & Katie Bartlett, as well as "Insiders" Nick Bass (Canes Prospects) & Andrew Rinaldi (on Tap Sports Chicago), to cover all the top stories of your Carolina Hurricanes & Hurricanes' prospects. In addition, from time-to-time, Tom welcomes special guests to the podcast.There is also stormTRacker Website (www.stormtracker23.com), which features a blogger section, highlighting the latest blogs from Nick Bass, Erin Manning, Katie Bartlett & Rachel Barkley as well as stormTRacker Shoppe, your home for all stormTRacker merchandise. Tom is also active on "X" connecting with other Hurricanes' fans on a regular basis (@stormTRacker24) as well as Facebook.

Information

  • Creator
    stormTRacker
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 stormTRacker Podcast
  • Show Website
    stormTRacker Podcast

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