Hurricanes lose Eric Robinson long-term after chaotic Sabres clash
The Carolina Hurricanes are facing another setback as forward Eric Robinson is set to miss an extended period due to injury. The incident happened during a crazy game against the epic Buffalo Sabres, adding to the team’s growing list of sidelined players. Meanwhile, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who had been frequently scratched, returned to practice in Robinson’s absence.
Robinson was injured in the first period after a collision with Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin. He left the game clutching his arm and did not return. The next day, he was spotted at practice wearing a sling, and head coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed he would be out long-term.
The Hurricanes have struggled with injuries all season, losing 226 man games so far—one of the highest totals in the league. Robinson had been a regular presence, playing 44 of the team’s 50 games and scoring 10 goals. His absence joins a lengthy list of injured players, including Shayne Gostisbehere, Juha Jaaska, Pyotr Kochetkov, Charles Alexis Legault, and Noah Philp. With Robinson out, Kotkaniemi took his place at practice, lining up alongside Mark Jankowski and William Carrier. The 25-year-old Finn, once a key signing after joining from Montreal in 2021, has struggled this season with just six points in 25 games. His return to the lineup comes as Joel Nystrom has also stepped up amid the team’s injury crisis.
Robinson’s injury further depletes a Hurricanes roster already hit hard by absences. Kotkaniemi’s return provides depth, but the team must now rely on others to fill the gap. The extent of Robinson’s recovery timeline remains unclear, leaving Carolina with another challenge to overcome.
