Home » Sports » NHL » Carolina Hurricanes

Juuso Välimäki Returns to NHL With the Hurricanes After 632-Day Absence

They ask, how can you not be romantic about hockey, or any sport, for that matter? Some stories show the perseverance of not giving up on a dream, whether you’ve played one game or 1,000.

By The Hockey Writers · Yardbarker

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 9:15 PM

Key Things to Know

Juuso Välimäki makes his Carolina Hurricanes debut against Vancouver after a 632-day NHL absence.
The defenseman last played in the NHL during the 2024-25 season before suffering an ACL injury.
Carolina signed Välimäki to a one-year, $900,000 contract extension on June 24, 2026.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Juuso Välimäki is scheduled to make his season debut against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, October 20. The appearance marks his return to an NHL lineup after a 632-day absence. Välimäki last played in the league during the 2024-25 season before sustaining a severe ACL injury in March 2025 that required surgery.

Following his recovery, Välimäki was traded to Carolina in January and spent time with the AHL's Chicago Wolves before signing a one-year, $900,000 contract extension in June 2026. He is projected to skate alongside Shayne Gostisbehere on Carolina's third defensive pairing.

Read the full article on Yardbarker

Juuso Välimäki Returns to NHL With the Hurricanes After 632-Day Absence

More Carolina Hurricanes News

Never Miss a Sports Update