RALEIGH, N.C. — In a historic moment for the Carolina Hurricanes, 25-year-old forward Skyler Brind'Amour made his NHL debut on April 16, 2025, against the Montreal Canadiens, marking a significant milestone not only for him but also for his family. Skyler is the son of Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour, making him just the eighth player in NHL history to play under his father’s coaching. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the arena, eager to witness this unique father-son moment unfold on the ice.
Skyler Brind'Amour has had a noteworthy journey leading up to this point. After being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, he spent the early years of his professional career developing his skills. This season, he showcased his talent with the Chicago Wolves, where he recorded 23 points (16 goals, 7 assists) in 67 games, ranking third on the team in goals and second in shorthanded goals with two.
Before joining the Wolves, Brind'Amour made his professional debut with the Charlotte Checkers in the 2023-24 season, where he tallied three goals and five assists in 54 appearances. His performance at the collegiate level was equally impressive; during his time at Quinnipiac University from 2019 to 2023, he played 145 games, accumulating 76 points (23 goals, 53 assists) and a plus-43 plus/minus rating. His contributions helped lead Quinnipiac to the NCAA Championship in 2022-23, where he also earned accolades such as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Best Defensive Forward and a spot on the ECAC Third All-Star Team.
As the Hurricanes prepared for the playoffs, having already clinched the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division, they opted to rest several key starters in their final regular season game against Montreal. This decision allowed Skyler the opportunity to step onto the NHL stage for the first time, a moment that was not lost on him. "It’s a dream come true to play in the NHL, especially with my dad as my coach. I’ve worked hard for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to contribute to the team," Skyler said before the game.
Despite being a rookie, Skyler's experience in the AHL and NCAA prepared him for this moment. He was known for his strong faceoff skills, finishing his last collegiate season with 500 faceoff wins, which ranked him as the best in the nation. The Hurricanes' coaching staff is optimistic about his potential impact, especially as they gear up for their playoff series against the New Jersey Devils starting this weekend.
Skyler’s debut not only highlights his personal achievements but also reflects the legacy of the Brind'Amour family within the sport. Rod Brind'Amour, a former NHL player himself, has been a pivotal figure in the Hurricanes' success as a coach. The bond between father and son adds a special layer to this story, as Rod has been instrumental in shaping Skyler’s career from a young age.
As the game against the Canadiens unfolded, fans cheered for Skyler, who took to the ice with a mix of excitement and nerves. The matchup was crucial for the Hurricanes, who aimed to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs. With a strong season behind them, the team is poised to make a deep playoff run, and Skyler’s addition could be a key factor in their success.
The Hurricanes will face the Ottawa Senators on April 17, 2025, in their final regular season game, and the anticipation is building for their playoff opener against the Devils. As they prepare for the postseason, all eyes will be on Skyler Brind'Amour, who has already made history and is eager to make his mark in the NHL.
For fans of the Hurricanes, the excitement surrounding Skyler’s debut is palpable. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the family legacy, the hard work, and the dreams that come to fruition on the grandest stage of hockey. As the playoffs approach, the Hurricanes are ready to embrace the challenges ahead, and with Skyler in the lineup, they have a fresh spark that could ignite their quest for the Stanley Cup.
