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Jesperi Kotkaniemi News
Kotkaniemi (upper-body) has been cleared for contact and returned to practice on Monday.

Kotkaniemi was cleared for contact and returned to team practice on Monday, but it's unclear if he will be ready for Carolina's season opener on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 25-year-old Kotkaniemi, the third-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored 33 points (12G / 21A) in 78 games last season.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi (upper-body) returned to practice in a no-contract sweater on Friday.

Kotkaniemi is inching closer to a return but still has not been cleared for contact. The 25-year-old Kotkaniemi, the third-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored 33 points (12G / 21A) in 78 games last season. It's unclear when he will return to full-contact drills at practice.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi (undisclosed) is questionable for Tuesday in Buffalo.

Kotkaniemi did not play Carolina's previous game due to an undisclosed injury but could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is averaging 14:00 time-on-ice and has 31 points (11G / 20A) in 76 games this season.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi will draw into the Hurricanes lineup on Friday.

Kotkaniemi was one of four surprise additions to the Hurricanes' lineup on Friday as Jordan Staal, Jalen Chatfield, Brett Pesce, and Teuvo Teravainen are all out with undisclosed injuries. Tony DeAngelo, Brendan Lemieux, and Scott Morrow will also draw into the lineup.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi