The Carolina Hurricanes, in a tie for the top spot in the Eastern Conference heading into play Thursday, will have to get by without forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi for up to three weeks because of a lower-body injury.
Kotkaniemi, who has 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) on the season, was injured during Monday’s 6-1 victory over the Washington Capitals when he was checked by Lars Eller.
The 21-year-old is in his first season with the Panthers and just signed an eight-year, $38.56-million deal with the team earlier this month.
“It’s going to be at least a couple weeks to three weeks,” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “That’s long for me, so that’s not good.”
In a bit of fortunate timing, Carolina forward Jordan Martinook is expected to return from his own lower-body injury Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens after missing seven games. He is expected to take Kotkaniemi’s spot in the lineup.
–Field Level Media