"Nepotism at the highest degree": NHL fans bash Carolina Hurricanes' signing of head coach Rod Brind'Amour's son Skyler

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way contract on Saturday. This deal will last through the 2024–25 season. Skyler, the son of head coach Rod Brind’Amour, will earn $775,000 at the NHL level. If he plays in the American Hockey League (AHL), he will make $75,000.

NHL insider David Pagnotta shared the news on X (formerly Twitter). He tweeted,

"#RaiseUp have signed F Skyler Brind’Amour to a 1-year, 2-way contract for the 2024-25 season. He'll earn $775,000 at the NHL level, $75K in the AHL.

After this announcement, NHL fans jumped in to share their opinions on X. Some fans labeled the signing as nepotism and questioned Skyler’s qualifications.

"Nepotism at its highest degree," one fan said.

“Why? What exactly did he show to earn this because I didn't see it? Don't like the message this sends but oh well, in the grand scheme of things it's nothing..” one fan asked.

Here are some more fan reactions to Skyler Brind'Amour's signing:

"Brind'Amour family tree in Raleigh continues!" one user remarked.

"Nepo baby. Winning genes," one fan said.

"Trash. Won’t do anything for this poverty franchise," a fan commented.

"Insane. Not worth of the #77 either," a fan tweeted.

Eric Tulsky praises Skyler Brind’Amour’s defensive skills as he joins the Carolina Hurricanes

General Manager Eric Tulsky praised Skyler's defensive skills in the AHL last season and his strong preseason performance.

“We were impressed with Skyler’s defensive awareness last season in the AHL, and he followed that up with a strong preseason showing,” Tulsky said via NHL.com. “We’re excited to have him join our organization.”

Skyler Brind’Amour started his professional career with the Charlotte Checkers last year. He scored three goals and added five assists in 54 games.

Before this, he played college hockey at Quinnipiac University. There, he helped his team win an NCAA Championship and was named the Best Defensive Forward.

Skyler Brind’Amour has also played for the U.S. National Development Team and spent two seasons with the Chilliwack Chiefs in the British Columbia Hockey League. In 2017, he was drafted in the sixth round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.

Skyler grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and often carries the baggage of being Rod Brind’Amour’s son. Rod is a Carolina Hurricanes legend, known for leading the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup win.

Fans now wonder if Skyler can create his own identity in the league or if he will always be known as 'Rod's son'.