





Kulak was in the lineup for five straight games but will make way for Victor Mete to get some playing time on Saturday.



Ekholm was hurt Tuesday vs. the Lightning and did not return for the third period. Head coach John Hynes told a local radio station that Ekholm is week-to-week, so expect him to miss at least a couple of weeks.

The Predators cited "baby reasons" for why he missed Monday's game but he is expected to be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Expect Ekholm to replace Jared Tinordi on the blueline.




Smith missed 12 of the first 13 games of the 2021 season with an undisclosed injury but will make his debut Monday in Ottawa. Smith struggled in 2020, going 19-12-6 with a 2.95 GAA and .902 SV%. Monday's matchup will see him face a Senators team that is 2-9-1 but have played better in their last two games.

Smith missed 12 of the first 13 games of the 2021 season with an undisclosed injury but will make his debut Monday in Ottawa. Smith struggled in 2020, going 19-12-6 with a 2.95 GAA and .902 SV%. Monday's matchup will see him face a Senators team that is 2-9-1 but have played better in their last two games.

Smith was placed on IR in mid-January and missed 12 of the last 13 games with an undisclosed injury. WIth Smith being activated on Sunday, there's a good chance that he'll make his season debut Monday in Ottawa or Tuesday in the second-game of the back-to-back.

Ryan suffered a fractured finger on Thursday and will most likely come out of the lineup on Saturday. Byron Froese was promoted and is expected to replace Ryan in the bottom-6.



Bouchard was the No.10 overall pick in 2018 and appeared in seven games with the Oilers in 2018-19. The 21-year-old, who had 36 points (7G / 29A) in 54 games with Bakersfield (AHL) last year, will make his season debut vs. the Senators and is expected to skate on the third pair with Kris Russell.
