Morning Rumble: Hurricanes’ Deslauriers Celebrated; Brendan Lemieux Releases Statement; Panthers Equipment Manager Suspended

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The Carolina Hurricanes released their full schedule, and I can’t help stare at the Florida Panthers matchups. The first game of the preseason will be against them, the first game of the regular season will be against them, and the final game of the regular season will be against them.

Sounds like Nicolas Deslauriers will enjoy ice time on some very notable days…

Tracking the Cup​

Speaking of Deslauriers, he spent his day with the Stanley Cup on Friday at North Wildwood, New Jersey. Over 1,100 people lined up for photos at Seaport Pier, and Mayor Sal Zampitti even declared July 17, 2026, as ‘Nicolas Deslauriers Day’.

July 17th is officially Nicolas Deslauriers day in North Wildwood. pic.twitter.com/r7vAvzsj5t

— Will James (@wmjsports) July 17, 2026

Deslauriers did not suit up for a game in the Stanley Cup Final, and was only traded to Carolina with 21 games left in the regular season, but the team made sure to petition for his name to be added to the Cup.

According to Special Advisor to the General Manager and three-time Cup Champion, Justin Williams, ‘there would have been a mutiny’ if he hadn’t gotten his name etched in silver.

The photo of Deslauriers holding the Cup above his head in front of the North Wildwood Boardwalk entrance, beneath a sign reading ‘Through This Arch Walk the Happiest People in the World’ will probably go down as one of the most iconic Cup day photos in Hurricanes history.

The Stanley Cup has arrived in Wildwood for Nic Deslauriers’ day pic.twitter.com/1s4R1bSY2U

— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) July 17, 2026

Viktor Neuchev Re-Signs with Hurricanes​

Friday, the Hurricanes re-signed restricted free agent Viktor Neuchev with a one-year, two-way contract worth $850k.

Neuchev was acquired on January 24, 2026, in a one-for-one trade with the Buffalo Sabres, which saw defenseman Gavin Bayreuther’s departure from Carolina. The 22-year-old winger spent 30 games with the Chicago Wolves last season, where he added four goals and five assists before playing another 21games in the postseason. There, he scored two goals and four assists.

Brendan Lemieux Releases Statement Regarding Father, Claude​

Thursday night, former Hurricanes forward, Brendan Lemieux, released a statement on X regarding the numerous stories published earlier that day – stories which contained various rumors of what transpired the night his father, Claude, tragically passed.

Out of respect, I will not share any of those reports, and implore the same of you, dear readers.

Statement by @blemieux22 via X – July 16, 2026:

Today, on my father Claude Lemieux’s birthday, several media outlets published articles filled with intimate details about the night he passed – some accurate, many complete fabrications. This is the unfortunate reality of today’s media landscape: clicks and engagement are prioritized over truth, respect, and basic human decency.

The hockey community, however, is different. We have a backbone. We value loyalty, respect, and family above all else, and we choose who and what we support.

I’m respectfully asking the hockey community to refrain from engaging with these speculative stories and give our family the space and dignity to grieve my recently passed father in private. In time, my family and I will share more about what happened in the hope it may help others who are struggling.

Until then, please honor Claude’s legacy by celebrating the life he lived – the fierce competitor, the four-time Stanley Cup champion, the devoted father and grandfather, and the man who left an indelible mark on our game and so many of us.

NHL News, Trade Talk, and National Hockey Now​

Philly Hockey Now: Arbitration avoided! Jamie Drysdale is now the Philadelphia Flyers’ highest paid defenseman, and Will James wrote all of the details while covering ‘Deslauriers Day’ live in person. He’ll have an article up soon about the celebration over at PHN, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

Written with a view. The #Flyers have extended Jamie Drysdale. https://t.co/ohUYA2G5xWpic.twitter.com/4ROVKTiy99

— Will James (@wmjsports) July 17, 2026

Will also wrote a great analysis on the contract of the other former Anaheim Duck now wearing Flyers orange, Trevor Zegras. Go read it. Have fun. Enjoy. …Or else.

New Jersey Hockey Now: You know a story is going to be good when complete anonymity comes into play. James Nichols asked three Pittsburgh Penguins insiders for their honest thoughts on Anthony Mantha, who the Devils signed earlier this week.

Montreal Hockey Now: Kirby Dach is sticking around! Marc Dumont has the details on the Montreal Canadiens’ new contract with the 25-year-old forward.

Florida Hockey Now: Well, that isn’t the kind of story you imagine seeing on a random Friday evening, yet there it was. Teddy Richards, the Florida Panthers’ head equipment manager (who also managed equipment for Team USA), was charged with one count of domestic violence, as well as unauthorized use of 911, and arrested. The Panthers have since announced his immediate suspension from the organization. George Richards has the story at FHN.

Gino Hard: The EA Sports team has been working towards making arenas more realistic for NHL27, and as such, Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 banner will hang in the virtual Nationwide Arena. A very nice touch.

NHL Trade Rumors: Jonathan Marchessault is reportedly up for a trade! The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner does have a no move clause on his contract, but should the fit be right for his family – and be a team he has a fair chance to win the Stanley Cup with – he could waive it.

Also Read:: Through a Father’s Lens: Wes Stankoven Reflects on Son Logan’s Journey to the Stanley Cup


Related Headlines

• Morning Rumble: Hurricanes Home Opener; Hello, Hakansson; Yzerman Out as Red Wings GM
• Morning Rumble: Hurricanes Goalie Prospect Signs with AHL; Stanley Cup of Poutine; Quinn Hughes Rumored Price Tag
• Hurricanes Mailbag: Carolina’s Offseason, Nikishin Stalemate, Silliness — Ask Me Anything!

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