GM Eric Tulsky Gives Hybrid Exit and Draft Interview: Hurricanes Injuries, Nikishin Contract, UFAs, and More

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAfter the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup nearly two weeks ago, many of us waited around, wondering when we would get to hear from the players and staff in exit interviews. Then, everyone started making their way back home. At that point, a lot of us figured those interviews just wouldn’t happen.

And technically, they didn’t – but General Manager Eric Tulsky took time during day 1 of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to share those details, essentially making his own hybrid exit interview/draft interview after the Hurricanes traded away their only first-round pick for a pair of second rounders (#42, #57) from the Nashville Predators.Why the Hurricanes Traded Away Their First-Round PickIn the past five years, the Hurricanes have only made one first-round selection, which was Bradly Nadeau in the 2023 Entry Draft. With a late first-round pick – just the second to last – the Hurricanes wisely swapped it out.

Tulsky spoke briefly on the decision to send the #31 pick to the Predators, and described the choice as an opportunity to maximize selections in a draft year in which they lacked a notable number of picks.Aside from the two picks they acquired in the trade, they only have a fourth round pick (#105, from San Jose Sharks), and duel sixth-rounders (#165, from Toronto Maple Leafs, #192).Two Hurricanes Forwards Underwent Surgery for InjuriesDuring the meeting, Tulsky informed the media that Seth Jarvis and Eric Robinson have both had surgery to fix issues previously acquired.

Robinson had an operation done on his knee, and is expected to be out six-to-eight weeks. Meanwhile, Jarvis underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder, in which he has dealt with the effects of a torn labrum and rotator cuff for two seasons. Tulsky mentioned that Jarvis would have likely addressed the issue last summer, but due to the deep run in the Eastern Conference Final, pushed it aside to be ready for last season.

He referred to it as ‘biting the bullet’ to go