The Hurricanes entered the 2015 season with a wealth of capable defensemen. Carolina’s returning defensive core is headed by Justin Faulk, including Ron Hainsey, John Michael-Liles, and young Ryan Murphy. Management added to the pool of NHL-ready defensemen, acquiring James Wisniewski in a trade from the Anaheim Ducks and Noah Hanifin 5th overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft.
Also knocking on the door during pre-season training camp was captain of the AHL Charlotte Checkers, Michal Jordán, as well as former college hockey players Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin.