The Carolina Hurricanes are getting a bit healthier-and a bit deeper. On Tuesday, General Manager Eric Tulsky announced that forward Juha Jaaska has been activated from the injured non-roster list and assigned to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
For Jaaska, this marks a key step in his return after missing the first half of the 2025-26 season with a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old winger made his NHL debut just last season, suiting up for 18 games and notching four assists with Carolina. While his time in the big league was limited, it offered a glimpse of his potential as a steady, two-way forward with some playmaking upside.
Most of Jaaska’s 2024-25 campaign was spent with the Wolves, where he quietly put together a solid season-33 points in 53 regular-season games (12 goals, 21 assists) and a goal in two playoff appearances. His contributions didn’t necessarily light up the scoreboard, but they reflected a player adjusting well to the North American game after years in Finland’s top league.
Before making the jump to North America, Jaaska built a strong résumé in Liiga, Finland’s premier professional league. Over nine seasons with HIFK, he tallied 142 points (51 goals, 91 assists) in 310 regular-season games, along with 22 points in 55 playoff contests. He also chipped in four points in 14 Champions Hockey League games-experience that speaks to his ability to perform in high-leverage situations.
At 6-foot, 210 pounds, Jaaska brings a sturdy frame and a well-rounded game to the Wolves’ lineup. His return gives Chicago a boost as they navigate the grind of the AHL season, and it keeps him in the mix for a potential call-up down the line should the Hurricanes need reinforcements.
For now, it’s about staying healthy, regaining rhythm, and continuing to prove he belongs in the conversation at the NHL level.