Kotkaniemi has not played since April 5th but will likely re-enter the lineup on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi has 31 points (11G / 20A) in 76 games this season.
The Hurricanes are 1-4-1 in their last six games and enter their final game of the regular season attempting to enter the postseason with momentum. Kochetkov was solid in his most recent game, saving 28 of 31 shots (.903 SV%) in a 7-3 win over the New York Rangers. The 25-year-old netminder has a 2.59 GAA and .897 SV% in 46 games this season (27-15-3). The Hurricanes enter Wednesday's contest as +107 road underdogs against a Montreal Canadiens team that can clinch a playoff berth with a single point.
Nadeau was Carolina's 30th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old forward made his NHL debut last season, playing one game, but has exclusively played in the AHL since. He has 56 points (30G / 26A) in 63 games with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) this season.
Brind-Amour was Edmonton's sixth-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The 25-year-old has yet to play an NHL games. He has 23 points (16G / 7A) in 67 games with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) this season.
Ehlers recently returned from a multi-game absence due to an injury and seemingly reaggravated it on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 29-year-old Ehlers has 63 points (24G / 39A) in 63 games this season will be a major loss for the Jets if his absence extends deep into the postseason.
Martinook did not play in Carolina's previous game but he could return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 32-year-old Martinook is averaging 15:18 time-on-ice and has a career-high 36 points (15G / 21A) in 79 games this season.
Nikishin was Carolina's third-round pick, 69th overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old Nikishin has spent the previous few seasons in the KHL. He scored 46 points (17G / 29A) in 61 games with St. Peterburgh SKA (KHL) this season.
Ehlers did not play Winnipeg's previous two games but he will draw back into the lineup on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old Ehlers is averaging 15:56 time-on-ice and has 63 points (24G / 39A) in 67 games this season. He is one point away from the career-high 64 points (25G / 39A) he has in the 2016-17 season.
Miller will draw back into the lineup after sitting out Wednesday's game against the Flyers. Zac Jones will sit in his place.
