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San Jose Sharks News
Rutta is not expected to be available for Game 1 vs. Columbus.

Rutta played in the Lightning's second round-robin game but that was it. When head coach Jon Copper met with the media on Monday, he said that everything was "status quo," which suggests that Rutta is still unfit to play. Look for Zach Bogosian to remain in Rutta's spot.

Jan Rutta
The Predators signed Egor Afanasyev to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Afanasyev was viewed as a potential first-round pick in last year's draft but fell to the Predators at the No.45 pick (second-round). The 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. Russian winger joined the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) for the 2020 campaign and led the team in goals (31) and was tied for first in points (67).

Egor Afanasyev
Ferraro (foot) travelled to Chicago and could return on Wednesday.

Ferraro has missed the last two games but could play Wednesday in Chicago. Head coach Bob Boughner said that Ferraro's return will be all about "pain tolerance, getting his foot back in a boot." Monitor his status during the Sharks' morning skate.

Mario Ferraro
Couture (concussion protocol) did not travel to Chicago.

Couture took a deflected puck to the face on Sunday and will not travel with the team to start their four-game road trip. With Couture out on Wednesday, Noah Gregor is expected to centre the top line with Evander Kane and Kevin Labanc on his wings.

Logan Couture
Georgiev will start Thursday vs. the Capitals.

Georgiev allowed two goals on 21 shots in the Rangers loss to the Blues on Tuesday. Since Igor Shesterkin got hurt, Georgiev has gone 2-2-0 with a 3.01 GAA and .914 SV%. He comes into Thursday's game at 3-9-1 with a 3.13 GAA and .895 SV% in 12 starts at Madison Square Garden. He'll face a Capitals team that is 1-4-0 while scoring just 1.80 goals per game in their last five road games.

Alexandar Georgiev