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Jesperi Kotkaniemi News
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
The Hurricanes added Jesperi Kotkaniemi to the COVID-19 protocol list.

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.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi is expected to be a healthy scratch on Thursday.

With Brendan Gallagher returning to the lineup, someone has to sit and much, to everyone's surprise, it looks like Kotkaniemi will get a night in the stands. Kotkaniemi remained on the ice with the injured players and other presumed scratches, so look for him to sit in Buffalo.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi (concussion) will return to the Canadiens lineup on Saturday.

Kotkaniemi has missed the last eight games with a concussion but will play Saturday in Tampa Bay. Kotkaniemi will replace Joel Armia, who is now week-to-week with an upper-body ailment. Kotkaniemi has scored just three goals and two assists (five points) in 22 games this season.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi