2011–12 Carolina Hurricanes season

The 2011–12 Carolina Hurricanes season was the 40th season for the franchise, 33rd in the National Hockey League (NHL) dating back to June 22, 1979, and 14th season since the franchise relocated to North Carolina to start the 1997–98 NHL season.

The Hurricanes failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third straight year. The last time the team made the trip to the playoffs was in the 2008–09 season.

Regular season
On November 28, 2011, the Hurricanes replaced head coach Paul Maurice with Kirk Muller.

Playoffs
The Hurricanes failed to qualify for the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime losses; GA = Goals against; GAA= Goals against average; SA= Shots against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save percentage; SO= Shutouts

†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Hurricanes. Stats reflect time with Hurricanes only.

‡Traded mid-season

Bold/italics denotes franchise record

Transactions
The Hurricanes have been involved in the following transactions during the 2011–12 season.

Draft picks
The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was held in St. Paul, Minnesota.