Canes 'fully expect' Svechnikov to be ready for start of 2023-24 season

The Carolina Hurricanes won't have to be without star forward Andrei Svechnikov for much longer, according to a positive update provided by general manager Don Waddell.

"He's four months after surgery, he's skating by himself, not with any contact or anything," Waddell said during a recent appearance on NHL Network. "Six months will be right when training camp basically opens (in September), so he's right on schedule, probably ahead of schedule.

"He wants to be playing today, but you know, we'll be cautious, obviously. October's important, but as the season goes on, it becomes even more important. I fully expect him to be ready when the season starts."

Svechnikov last played on March 11 when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on a non-contact play against the Vegas Golden Knights. He underwent surgery less than a week later, with the Hurricanes announcing he'd miss the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

The 23-year-old chipped in with 23 tallies - good for his fourth 20-goal campaign - and 55 points in 64 games this past season while averaging a career-high 18:03 minutes of ice time per contest.

The Hurricanes were swept by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final this spring in Svechnikov's absence. He's totaled 25 points in 40 career playoff games.