The Panthers placed four new players in COVID-19 protocol on Sunday, the same day that they activated eight players from the list. With Tippett likely out until the middle of next week, Ryan Lomberg moved up into the top-9 in Monday's practice.

This was a necessary move if Markus Nutivaara is to make his season debut, so Tippett goes to the taxi squad and either Juho Lammikko or Ryan Lomberg will replace him upfront.

This summer’s No.10 overall pick lasted seven games with the Panthers, registering one goal over that span. Tippett will return to Mississauga, where he had 44 goals 31 assists (75 points) in 60 games last season.

Tippett was the No.10 overall pick in this summer’s draft and tonight he will debut on the Panthers’ third line. The 18-year-old winger had 75 points (44G / 31A) in 60 games with Mississauga (OHL) last season and will play with Jared McCann and Jamie McGinn tonight.

Tippett might be the best pure goal scorer in this draft class. He has great quickness and an NHL-level shot that saw him lead the Mississauga Steelheads in both goals (44) and points (75).