The Carolina Hurricanes are 8-2-1 in 2026-27 and again one of the NHL's top teams despite missing their leading goal scorer from the past two seasons — but that absence could end Thursday night.

The Canes activated star forward Seth Jarvis from the injured non-roster list Wednesday, putting him in position to make his season debut against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.

The 24-year-old underwent shoulder surgery shortly after Carolina won its second Stanley Cup in franchise history. His initial recovery timeline was 4-6 months, meaning a return Thursday would come nearly four months after the procedure.

Jarvis was a key part of the Stanley Cup run, contributing four goals and 11 points in 19 postseason contests, including the overtime winner in Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Final.

The Hurricanes dominated the playoffs, losing just once through the first three rounds before beating the Knights in six games.

Jarvis has been remarkably consistent, emerging as one of the club's most important players over the last three seasons.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native has recorded three consecutive 30-goal campaigns, scoring 33 times in 2023-24 and 32 in both 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The No. 13 overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft has amassed 200 points in 225 games since 2023-24, along with a plus-41 rating while averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time.

His return would provide a massive boost for a Carolina team again among the leading Stanley Cup contenders. The Canes have lost just twice in regulation through 11 games and lead the early Presidents' Trophy race.

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Along with activating Jarvis, the Hurricanes recalled Skyler Brind'Amour from the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves and reassigned Bradly Nadeau.

Brind'Amour — the son of head coach Rod — has recorded two goals and an assist in six AHL games this season. He gives Carolina another option down the middle with captain Jordan Staal sidelined.

Thursday's matchup could throw Jarvis and Brind'Amour right into the fire against a 7-1-1 Oilers team led by Connor McDavid, who has amassed a ridiculous 26 points in nine games.

Puck drops at Rogers Place just past 9 p.m. ET.