The Carolina Hurricanes trimmed their roster to 22 players today as they assigned Justin Pogge, Brett Carson, and Bobby Sanguinetti to the Charlotte Checkers. There was some speculation that the team would keep fewer players, but they are safely under the league mandated maximum of 23.
The loss of Sanguinetti and Carson leaves the team with just six defensemen, meaning that Joe Corvo must be healthy. Corvo reportedly had an undisclosed lower body injury after the St. Petersburg game. He played, but was questionable before game one against Minnesota.
Both Pogge and Carson were waiver eligible, but cleared waivers earlier today.
The team still has a couple of extra forwards. Jiri Tlusty sat out the first two games and Sergei Samsonov never traveled with the team to Finland and has been recovering from a sprained neck. Tlusty sat out much of training camp because of a knee operation over the summer. Zac Dalpe and Drayson Bowman have filled in nicely for the two players.
The Canes will resume their practice sessions starting tomorrow, (Sunday) at 10 a.m. at the RBC.
In related news, the Charlotte Checkers start their season tonight in Hartford. Bryan Rodney was recently named team captain. Check out Go Checkers.com for more information.