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.
Kotkaniemi was a healthy scratch for Game 2, but it looks like he'll replace Jack Roslovic in the Hurricanes' lineup for Game 3. Kotkaniemi has no goals and just three assists in 11 playoff games.
Kotkaniemi will take a seat on Thursday as Mark Jankowski returns from an undisclosed injury. Scott Morrow will also draw out in favour of Jalen Chatfield (lower-body).
Kotkaniemi has not played since April 5th but will likely re-enter the lineup on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi has 31 points (11G / 20A) in 76 games this season.
Kotkaniemi is expected to miss at least the remainder of the week but should return to the lineup before the end of the season. The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is averaging 14:00 time-on-ice and has 31 points (11G / 20A) in 76 games this season.
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.
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.
Kotkaniemi will draw right back into the Hurricanes lineup on Friday after sitting out Thursday's game against the Bruins. He will fill in for Andrei Svechnikov, who is a late scratch due to an illness.
Kotkaniemi will be the odd man out on Thursday as Jesper Fast returns to the Hurricanes' lineup after a six-game absence. Kotkaniemi has struggled to replicate his success from 2022-23 this season, as he only has 11 goals and 25 points in 75 games played before this scratch.
Kotkaniemi missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but will play Thursday vs. the Devils. Kotkaniemi will replace Jordan Staal, who is being rested. Kotkaniemi has picked up three assists in his last five games but has just four assists in his last 19 games.
Kotkaniemi is "nicked up" with an undisclosed injury, so he's not expected to play Monday in Arizona. With both Kotkaniemi and Jordan Staal out, look for Derek Stepan and Steven Lorentz to draw back in.
Kotkaniemi has been out since March 28th but will replace Steven Lorentz in the lineup on Thursday. Kotkaniemi has 26 points (11G / 15A) in 63 games this season while playing primarily in the bottom-6 and PP2.
Kotkanieimi suffered a lower-body injury late in Tuesday's win in Washington on a questionable hit from Lars Eller. Jordan Martinook (undisclosed) could be back in the lineup on Thursday to replace Kotkanieimi on the fourth line.
Kotkaniemi missed three games while in COVID-19 protocol but will play Saturday in Minnesota. Kotkaniemi will replace Steven Lorentz and skate on the fourth line with Derek Stepan and Jordan Martinook.
Kotkaniemi likely will not be available for Monday's game in Toronto after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. It's unclear who will replace him in the lineup, with the only reserve forward being Teuvo Teravainen, who is a game-time decision. The Hurricanes may have to call up Josh Leivo from the AHL if Teravainen can't play.
