South Raleigh News

The Carolina Hurricanes are set to welcome back Jack Drury to their lineup as they face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Drury had been sidelined due to a hand injury sustained on December 10 against San Jose, which required surgery. However, he is now fit for action.

"He's a big part of what we do. He plays hard every night and he's very reliable," stated Rod Brind'Amour after the team's morning skate. "He does a lot for us. It's nice to see him ready to go."

Drury's return comes at a crucial time following Tyson Jost's injury earlier this week, which has ruled him out long-term. To accommodate Drury's comeback, Sean Walker will be stepping aside from his position.

Pyotr Kochetkov was seen in the starter's crease during the morning practice session. Kochetkov impressed with his performance in Florida on Thursday night, saving 26 out of 27 shots and securing his 15th win of the season.

As per the projected lineup for tonight’s game, forwards include Roslovic, Aho, Jarvis; Svechnikov, Kotkaniemi, Necas; Carrier, Staal, Martinook; Robinson, Drury, Blake. Defense pairings are Slavin-Burns; Orlov-Chatfield; Smith-Walker with Kochetkov as the starting goaltender and Tokarski as backup.

Injury updates reveal that Tyson Jost is out long-term due to a lower-body injury as of January 2. Shayne Gostisbehere has an upper-body injury and will be out for at least a couple of weeks since December 30. Frederik Andersen is recovering from knee surgery and is expected to be out for 8-12 weeks from November 22 while Jesper Fast remains sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season due to a neck injury.

Special teams lineups have been announced: PP1 includes Aho, Jarvis, Necas alongside Svechnikov with Smith while PP2 features Blake, Drury along with Kotkaniemi and Roslovic paired with Burns.

The game against Minnesota Wild kicks off at 7:00 p.m.