Hey NHL fans, explain something to me?

The Hurricanes currently have 21 actives on their roster (Kase & Andersen on IR). Why not fill those 2 spots? They've done this a lot this year - run with a shortage.

Why?

#NHL #CosoPuck

@Graci it's to save salary cap space. That way in Feb/March (trade deadline) they have more cap to work with. It's the same reason the Wild played 11 forwards and 7 dmen last night

@WildMN34 I figured as much. But if someone's already been brought up and sent back down, wouldn't the cap hit already be in place?

@Graci no. There are some hoops teams jump throw to massage cap hits. It's all about active roster. If they are sent down then it's not counted against the NHL club cap. That's why waiver exempt contracts are bounced back and forth a lot