With Gustav Forsling out week-to-week, Kiersted will be in the lineup on Tuesday and could get an extended run on the Panthers' blueline. The 23-year-old started the season in the AHL, scoring six points (2G / 4A) in 16 games. He has one assist in nine career NHL games.
Forsling suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Kraken on Saturday and is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks. With Forsling out, look for Kevin Connauton to draw back into the lineup on Tuesday.
With Anthony Duclair a late scratch on Friday and questionable to play Saturday, Heponiemi gets his first call-up of the season. Heponiemi was a second-round pick in 2017 and has scored four goals with seven assists (11 points) in 17 AHL games this season.
Bunnaman will replace Max Willman, who was sent back to the AHL this morning. Bunnaman has scored just one goal with one assist in 16 AHL games this season.
Boqvist suffered an upper-body injury in Florida on November 18th and was moved to IR on Thursday. Moving Boqvist to IR opened up a roster spot to claim Nathan Bastian off of waivers from Seattle. Boqvist is eligible to come off of IR whenever he is healthy.
Barkov remains week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Head coach Andrew Brunette said that Barkov is skating and that they're reassessing him daily, but he's still likely a week or two away from returning.
Gadjovich has played in three straight games but will be scratched Monday vs. the Hurricanes. Scott Reedy replace Gadjovich, making his NHL debut.
Mikkola will play for the first time since November 4th, replacing Robert Bortuzzo (maintenance) in the lineup. Mikkola has no points and a plus-3 rating in 10:16 ATOI in two games this season.
Barkov suffered a lower-body injury on a knee-on-knee collision with Scott Mayfield on Tuesday. Barkov will not need surgery but is still expected to miss a couple of weeks. With Barkov out, Sam Bennett was on the top line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Anthony Duclair, while Anton Lundell moved up to the second line in Wednesday's practice.
