The Carolina Hurricanes have a big question mark on the blueline as we head toward puck drop of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Defenseman Jalen Chatfield has been dealing with an undisclosed injury, that seemed to have flared up in Game 4 of the Canes' second-round series against the Washington Capitals.

The veteran missed Game 5 and a few Hurricanes practices, and Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said he'd probably need a practice before he gets back in.

While he did take the morning skate on Tuesday morning, he was skating as an extra during the practice session so his status is still up in the air.

"We're still debating it, but it was a good sign that he was out there," Brind'Amour said. "Whether he's ready to go, that will be determined here shortly. Good sign that he was at least out there with us.

Chatfield had one goal in nine postseason games this season, but more importantly, he's a vital piece of the Hurricanes' staunch blueline.

He plays big minutes, averaging 20:24 a night in these playoffs, and he's making a difference whether it's at 5v5 or on the penalty kill.

"He definitely wants to play, so we'll see where it goes," Brind'Amour said.

If he can't go, rookie blueliner Scott Morrow will draw into the lineup for his NHL postseason debut.

"He's been around a little longer, knows our system a little better than [Alexander Nikishin] does and he played well when he came up," Brind'Amour said. "There's also the righty/lefty thing, that does matter a little bit. So those little things help. I think he's earned the right to have a shot, so we'll see."

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