Kurashev was a healthy scratch in Calgary on Tuesday but will draw back into the lineup on Friday. Kurashev has two assists in his last three games, but just five assists in 17 games this season.

Kurashev played just 6:25 TOI on Sunday and will be scratched tonight after "too many turnovers lately" according to head coach Derek King.

Kurashev will be replaced in the lineup by Dylan Strome. According to Jeremy Colliton he is scratching Kurashev because "he was one of our best forwards in camp and preseason. And we need him to get back to that level. Sometimes coming out is what you need to get refocused and back to the level you can play at.”

Kurashev surprisingly goes from the top line to the press box on Thursday. Adam Gaudette will replace him in the lineup and Pius Suter will likely replace him on the top line.

Kurashev was a fourth-round pick (No.120) in 2018 and is in his third year in the QMJHL. The 19-year-old centre will remain in Quebec (QMJHL), where he leads the team in goals (28), assists (34) and points (62).