Hurricanes release three former first-round picks from their professional tryouts

The Carolina Hurricanes were one of a number of teams around the National Hockey League that made cuts to their training camp roster with the start of the regular season right around the corner.

On Friday, the Hurricanes announced that they've released a total of six players from their professional tryout contracts (PTO) including three former first-round picks - Nathan Beaulieu, Kieffer Bellows and Brendan Perlini.


Beaulieu, 30, appeared in three games for the Hurricanes during the preseason, but failed to record any points, while having six shots on goal. Given Carolina's depth on the blue line, it seemed very unlikely from the get-go that Beaulieu would've been able to win a spot out of camp on a PTO.


Bellows, a native of Edina, Minnesota, had one goal during his PTO stint with the Hurricanes, skating in four games for them throughout the preseason. He found himself on the waiver wire three times last season, the first of which he was claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers from the New York Islanders.

Finally, Brendan Perlini, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The 27-year-old made four appearances for Carolina during the preseason where he put up three points (one goal, two assists).

Beaulieu, Bellows and Perlini are now all unrestricted free agents once again, but it's unclear where they may end up for the 2023-24 season. The American Hockey League is a very likely option for them, or potentially overseas in Europe.