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. 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. 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 a text

    34 min
  2. 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 a text

    1h 10m
  3. Nadeau and Robidas On Fire | How Chicago Stops the Defensive Bleeding

    JAN 28

    Nadeau and Robidas On Fire | How Chicago Stops the Defensive Bleeding

    Goals are flying, rumors are swirling, and the Wolves are making noise in the Central. Andrew Rinaldi (On Tap Sports - Chicago) & I dive straight into Chicago’s scoring heater, why the top line is shredding coverages, and how a tightening blue line can turn chaotic wins into playoff proof. Justin Robidas brings relentless pace and sharp reads that travel to any position, while Bradly Nadeau layers a ruthless shot on top of growing defensive detail. With Ryan Suzuki steering entries and tempo, that unit drives results without leaning on perfect conditions—and recent depth scoring proves this team can win even when the “big dogs” are quiet. We open up the lineup card beyond the headliners: Evan Veirling’s IQ fits like a glove next to Felix Unger Sorum’s pass-first vision and Pavlychev’s retrieval work. On the matchup side, Skyler Brind’Amour and Josiah Slavin set the tone with faceoff wins and penalty-kill shoulder grease, helping stabilize games before they tip into track meets. The blue line has been a work in progress, but Cal Foote’s structure and Juuso Valimaki’s calm touch are creating the habits that reduce odd-man rushes. When Domenick Fensore is rolling, transitions hum; add pending returns for Legault and possibly Nystrom, and pairings start to make sense. Keep an eye on Dominik Badinka—rare poise for a rookie and a first pass that breaks pressure without drama. Between the pipes, Cayden Primeau’s steady numbers have settled the room, even as Miftakhov works through a bumpy stretch. The bigger picture looms: deadline buzz around Carolina means prized prospects and AHL stars could be in play. We weigh what a blockbuster might cost, which Wolves could be targeted, and how Chicago can stay on course if call-ups hit. The immediate crucible is Grand Rapids—size, structure, and elite goaltending. If the Wolves claim first goals, clean exits, and commit to fewer east-west gambles at the blue line, the offense can do the rest. Highlights: • Recent run of form and standings context • Goal-fests contrasted with defensive lapses • All-star nods for Robidas, Nadeau, Fensore • Top line roles and chemistry • Secondary scoring from Veirling, Unger Sorum, Pavlychev • Checking line impact with Brind’Amour and Slavin • Ryabkin reassignment for development • Blue line additions Foote and Valimaki, Fensore’s pace • Badinka’s poise in big rookie minutes • Primeau’s stability versus Miftakhov’s rough patch • Trade rumors, call-ups, and roster ripple effects • Grand Rapids as measuring stick and path to tighten details #canes #erictulsky #raiseup #carolinahurricanes #stormtracker23 #bradlynadeau #podcast #lockedonhurricanes #thehockeyguy #rodbrindamour #chicagowolves #darrenyorke #AHL #Justinrobidas #carolinaculture #nhltradedeadline Join us for clear analysis, honest assessments, and the roadmap for turning a hot streak into something that lasts. If this breakdown hit the spot, follow the show, share it with a Wolves fan, and leave a quick review—what’s the one move you’d make before the deadline? Send a text

    1h 1m
  4. Hurricanes' Deadline Question | Trade for a 2C or Roll With Stankoven?

    JAN 21

    Hurricanes' Deadline Question | Trade for a 2C or Roll With Stankoven?

    The switch flipped. Carolina’s playing fast, disciplined hockey again, and it starts in the crease with Brandon Bussi’s calm poise turning thin shot diets into statement wins. We break down how a goalie built for high-danger bursts steadies the bench and lets the skaters push, then zoom out to the quiet force multiplier: Jacob Slavin. With Slavin back, shot attempts against crater, lanes vanish, and everyone slides into the right minutes. That’s freed up Jalen Chatfield to smother rushes and given Alexander Nikishin the space to grow—unleashing a point shot that changes power-play geometry and a smarter, faster defensive game each week. Up front, Andrei Svechnikov’s power-forward groove meshes perfectly with Sebastian Aho’s playmaking. Jarvis hunts pucks, Aho threads seams, and Svech finds soft ice to hammer pucks home. We also look at how Nikolaj Ehlers injects pace into the Stall “dads” line, turning heavy shifts into quick-strike chances. But there’s a real question at center: can Logan Stankoven handle the defensive burden in playoff minutes, or does a contender need a true 2C who drives the middle, takes tough draws, and protects leads? We weigh names, costs, and fit, including contract realities, no-trade hurdles, and why a right-shot faceoff option could be the cleanest fix. Special teams may decide everything. The penalty kill stabilizes with Slavin’s angles and Bussi’s reads, while the power play finally found movement, volume, and variety. Since early December, Carolina’s PP has rocketed near the top of the league, with Ehlers and Aho manipulating coverage and Nikishin’s bomb forcing honest penalty kills. Add a prudent depth-goalie insurance move and the blue line’s healthy rotations, and this roster looks built for a deep spring. If management lands a center who tilts the ice, the ceiling climbs again. Highlights: • Recent winning run and how the style returned • Brandon Bussi’s calm reads, rebound control, one-goal games • Henrik Lundqvist’s endorsement and contract expectations • Frederik Andersen’s role and the long-lull challenge • Jacob Slavin’s shot and chance suppression impact • Alexander Nikishin’s cannon, defensive growth, and PP fit • Defensive pairs once Gostisbehere returns • Aho–Svechnikov chemistry with Jarvis’ retrieval work • Ehlers’ speed boost on the Stall line • Questions around Stankoven at 2C and line durability • Penalty kill trends with Slavin back • Power play movement, shot volume, and confidence spike • The Rumor Mill: 2C options, winger ideas, cap and assets • Depth goalie insurance and blue line depth • Seven-game outlook before the Olympic break Enjoy the breakdown, the data-driven insights, and the candid rumor mill. If this episode hit the spot, subscribe, share it with a fellow Canes fan, and leave a rating with your bold deadline prediction—we’ll feature our favorites next time. #canes #hockey #erictulsky #raiseup #stormtracker23 #rodbrindamour #lockedonhurricanes #Canescast #thestormsurge #AlexanderNikishin #carolinahurricanes #JaccobSlavin #causechaos #sebastianaho #andreisvechnikov #nikolajehlers Send a text

    1h 16m
  5. Carolina's Pipeline Just Got Dangerous | Robidas, Poirier & Nadeau

    JAN 14

    Carolina's Pipeline Just Got Dangerous | Robidas, Poirier & Nadeau

    Prospect momentum isn’t just a headline—it’s a pattern. December delivered a true snapshot of the Hurricanes’ pipeline: disciplined goaltending, a freshman sniper lighting up college hockey, and two AHL forwards forcing hard NHL decisions. We open with Ruslan Kazayev’s technical leap and Jakub Vondras’ calm rise in Czechia’s pro ranks, the kind of goalie development that turns raw athleticism into trustworthy starts. Big frames, better footwork, and smarter rebound control—those trends matter when the NHL roster cycles through short-term contracts. Up front, Justin Robida put together an all-situations case that screams NHL-ready. He kills penalties, takes draws, toggles between wing and center, and still finds offense beside skill players. If he were taller, he’d probably already be in the show; instead, he’s pushing the door with results. We also dive into Justin Poirier’s standout shot at Maine. The release is elite, the points are real, and the next step is showing that same punch against top NCAA teams. It’s a progress curve you can feel: better details on retrievals, stronger play through contact, and a power play weapon Carolina can project with confidence. Then there’s Bradley Nadeau, whose AHL heater and player-of-the-week nod sharpened a familiar dilemma: deploy him like a top-six creator or stunt the upside on a fourth line. He’s shown NHL flashes, tightened five-on-five play, and brought pace that creates seams for skilled partners. With the deadline ahead, his name will surface—because attractive prospects always do—but the smarter argument is minutes that match the talent, not a checkout lane to another organization. We round out with honorable mentions that matter: Theodor Avramov’s best path in the VHL, Filip Ekberg’s late-round value now paying off in the OHL, Kirill Limendov’s defensive anchor work in Moscow, and Timur Mukhinov’s steadying development with consistent VHL minutes. We also touch on rights timelines, European extensions, and why Charlie Cerrato’s Spengler Cup tape shows a center who looks pro-ready in pace and habits. If you care about how a contender keeps the window open, this is the blueprint: patient goalie growth, skilled wings who score on entry, and deployment choices that unlock real ceiling. Highlights: • Khazhayev’s technical growth and stabilized rebounds • Vondras’ pro consistency in Czechia 2 and size upside • Robida’s all-situations value and NHL readiness • Poirier’s elite shot and NCAA translation questions • Nadeau’s AHL surge and top-six deployment debate • Avramov’s ideal VHL runway for minutes and usage • Ekberg’s late-round value and OHL scoring touch • Limatov’s skating, reach and defensive anchor role • Mukhanov’s VHL development for complete game • Rights timelines, European extensions and planning • Cerrato’s Spengler Cup showcase against pros • What to watch in January across leagues Enjoyed the breakdown? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review to help more Canes fans find the show. Tell us: who deserves the next call-up—and who should be untouchable at the deadline? #canes #hockey #carolinahurricanes #stormtracker23 #canesprospects #thehockeyguy #topshelfhockey #lockedonhurricanes #ahl #chicagowolves #alexandernikishin #bradlynadeau #KHL #darrenyorke Send a text

    31 min
  6. Hurricanes Defense Leaks High Danger Chances | System Failure

    JAN 8

    Hurricanes Defense Leaks High Danger Chances | System Failure

    Pressure can sharpen or shatter a team. Erin, Katie & I unpack why the Hurricanes can look dominant for 50 minutes and then suddenly leak high danger chances, how injuries forced constant blue line shuffles, and why Slavin’s return could reset the entire defensive ecosystem. The conversation starts with the “fragile” label and quickly gets specific: third period collapses, the PK slide to the middle of the pack, and a goalie room judged too often without system context. On the bright side, the spark is real up front. Moving Andrei Svechnikov to the right side next to Sebastian Aho and Nikolaj Ehlers unlocked a true top line: heavy on puck wins, fast on entries, ruthless on high danger finishes. That trio not only drives offense; it can take hard matchups and ease Jordan Staal’s burden. We dive into what makes the chemistry work, how it boosts the power play, and what it means for a second line built around Logan Stankhoven’s motor and touch. Defense and goaltending demand nuance here. Carolina’s scheme suppresses volume but exposes goalies to sudden A-plus looks after long quiet stretches. Brandon Bussi’s rise is legit, and Frederik Andersen’s path back likely runs through confidence, cleaner PK details, and Slavin’s stabilizing presence. We examine pairings, Nikishin’s adjustment to demanding man-to-man reads, and why the front office should value goalie performance in tough defensive environments over raw save percentage. Depth notes include Noah Philp’s right-shot draws and physicality and Juuso Valimaki’s two-way insurance as he ramps. Trade season looms: a 2C safety net versus trusting Stankhoven, plus the growing expectation that Kotkaniemi finds a better fit elsewhere. The goal is simple and hard—lock the top line, set the first pair, and give the goalies rhythm. Do that, and late-game fray turns back into late-game control. Enjoy the full breakdown, and if it hits your hockey brain just right, subscribe, share it with a Canes fan, and drop your take on who should ride shotgun with Slavin. Highlights: • Metro standings pressure and fragile label • Offense creating enough but finishing lags • Top line Aho–Ehlers–Svechnikov ignites • Defense leaks high danger chances • Nikishin’s learning curve and usage • Rebuilding D-pairs until Slavin returns • Goaltending confidence and system impact • Power play surge, PK faceoff issues • Depth adds: Noah Philp and Juuso Valimaki • Trade chatter on 2C help and Kotkaniemi • Next five games outlook and targets #canes #hockey #erictulsky #raiseup #stormtracker23 #rodbrindamour #lockedonhurricanes #Canescast #thestormsurge #AlexanderNikishin #carolinahurricanes #JaccobSlavin #causechaos #sebastianaho #andreisvechnikov #nikolajehlers Send a text

    1h 15m
  7. Suzuki, Nadeau, Robidas Connect | Chicago's Top Line Dominance #canes

    JAN 5

    Suzuki, Nadeau, Robidas Connect | Chicago's Top Line Dominance #canes

    A nine-game point streak tells a great story, but the real drama is how Chicago keeps building wins through chaos. Andrew Rinaldi (On Tap Sports Chicago) & I dig into the spark behind the surge: a top line that clicks in motion, a room that adapted to a midseason coaching change, and two goalies who turned the crease into a strength. The Central is stacked and Grand Rapids is posting historic numbers, yet the Wolves are hanging in second because the details are improving where it matters most. Up front, Ryan Suzuki’s vision, Bradly Nadeau’s evolving toolkit, and Justin Robidas’ relentless motor form a line that can beat you in different ways every night. Skyler Brind’Amour is rounding out his game—strong on draws, reliable on the kill, and now adding offense that eases pressure on the stars. We also examine Felix Unger-Sörum’s recent drought and why the power play needs simpler decisions and more pucks to the net to bounce back. Injury notes on Juha Jääskä and Giovanni Smith add context to the depth puzzle and how minutes are being allocated across the bottom six. On the back end, constant call-ups forced rapid development for Aleksi Heimosalmi and Bryce Montgomery, while Gavin Bayreuther’s leadership steadies the room. Cal Foote’s on-ice impact shows up in netfront control and cleaner exits. Domenick Fensore continues a breakout, pairing smarter activations with firm house defending and power-play poise—traits that draw NHL attention. In goal, Cayden Primeau’s AHL pedigree and Amir Miftakhov’s tightened positioning have produced near-identical numbers, proving the alternating rhythm is working. Highlights: • Top-line chemistry with Suzuki, Nadeau, Robidas • Brind’Amour’s rise as a trusted two-way center • Coaching shift to Anastas and team response • Unger-Sörum’s slowdown and power-play fixes • Rookie center minutes and costly penalties • Injuries and timelines for Jääskä and Giovanni Smith • Blue line churn, Foote’s impact, Fensore’s leap • Bayreuther’s leadership and development effects • Primeau–Miftakhov tandem stabilizing results • Grand Rapids as measuring stick and upcoming tests With another Grand Rapids showdown looming, the bar is clear. Keep Friday’s standard—fast, structured, disciplined—and second place is defendable. Drift toward Saturday’s mistakes, and the pack will close fast. Listen, share your take on the biggest lever for improvement—power play, depth scoring, or blue line health—and if you’re enjoying the show, tap subscribe, hit the bell, and leave a review to help others find us. Send a text

    51 min
  8. These Undersized Prospects Are Proving Doubters Wrong #canes #hockey

    12/18/2025

    These Undersized Prospects Are Proving Doubters Wrong #canes #hockey

    Late picks, big swings, and a farm system that won’t stop churning: Nick Bass (Canes Prospects) & I break down which Carolina Hurricanes prospects took real steps forward and why their games now project at the NHL level. Our top five features a resurgent Felix Unger Sorum, who regained his edge at right wing with quicker feet, a heavier shot, and the same elite vision that once put him on the brink of a roster spot. We also spotlight Bradly Nadeau’s five-on-five progress in Chicago—less perimeter, more pressure, and a line that drives play with pace. On the college front, Jayden Perron looks like a new player at Michigan. He’s logging top-line minutes, running a power play with patience and touch, and proving those pre-draft projections weren’t misplaced. We dig into how role, confidence, and usage can flip a trajectory. Overseas, Yegor Velmakin has finally found consistent starts in St. Petersburg, turning the corner with steady form and raising questions about his next contract and where he fits in a crowded goalie ladder. We don’t skip the big-picture context. Chicago’s mid-season coaching change is rare in the AHL, but the Wolves’ special teams gains and development track record remain bright spots. Honorable mentions add crucial depth to the story: Kurban Limatov’s smooth skating and physical edge, Justin Poirier’s scoring translating to NCAA speed, and Jakub Vondras re-establishing himself with a strong November. We also examine center depth and the timeline for a young pivot to potentially anchor a middle-six role, outlining how a short-term veteran bridge could sync with the prospect pipeline. Highlights: • Ekberg’s shooting jump and creative play in Ottawa • Velmakin’s consistent VHL starts and contract intrigue • Nadeau’s five-on-five growth and physical edge • Wolves coaching change and special teams impact • Perron’s resurgence at Michigan as PP quarterback • Unger Sorum’s confidence, stronger shot, and right-wing fit • Limatov’s return to form and MHL All-Star nod • Poirier’s scoring translating to NCAA speed • Robidas’ do-it-all profile and NHL readiness • Vondras’ steady November and goalie depth picture • Artamonov’s KHL reset and system fit • Monitoring Cerrato's path to a middle-six NHL center Hit play to hear who’s closest to NHL-ready, who needs more runway, and why the Canes’ scouting bets on undersized skill and oversized defenders are paying off. If you enjoy these prospect deep dives, follow, share with a Canes fan, and leave a review so we can keep growing this community. #canes #hockey #carolinahurricanes #stormtracker23 #canesprospects #thehockeyguy #topshelfhockey #lockedonhurricanes #ahl #chicagowolves #alexandernikishin #bradlynadeau #KHL #darrenyorke Send a text

    35 min
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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. 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
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 stormTRacker Podcast
  • Show Website
    stormTRacker Podcast

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