It might just be a random Thursday night in Week 2 of the NHL’s newest season, but there could be fireworks – and we’re not talking about the ice. The Hurricanes and Canadiens midweek game has a wild backstory that goes back two years.
In the summer of 2019, the story begins with an offer sheet to the restricted free agent Sebastian Aho of the Canadians. Carolina was not too enthusiastic about the move from Montreal and his general manager Marc Bergevin, but was able to keep the services of the young Finn.
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Last summer it was the turn of the Hurricanes. GM Don Waddell and Co. and prepared an offer sheet for Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The move was full of pettiness, from the signing bonus to the statements and of course the tweets. Montreal chose not to play and headed south.
“I just did what was best for me at the moment. So I feel like anyone can do what they want,” said Kotkaniemi of the fans’ reaction, including the boos.
While the off-ice dynamics on the ice shouldn’t play too much of a role, there are two clubs in the game that go in different directions. Montreal started 0-4-0 while the Hurricanes stand 2-0-0.
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Here’s everything you need to know to see the Kotkaniemi return to Montreal.
Which channel is Hurricanes vs. Canadiens running on?
- Date: Thu., Oct. 21
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV channel : BSSO (Carolina) | TSN2, RDS (Canada)
- current: BSSO, ESPN + (USA) | TSN Direct (Canada)
Mike Maniscalco will have the call with Bally Sports South analyst Tripp Tracy. Bryan Mudryk will be in Canada.
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All of the games listed below can also be seen nationwide in the US on ESPN +.
When are the next five Hurricanes games?
date | opponent | Time (ET) | channel |
Sat., October 23 | at Blue Jackets | 19 o’clock | BSOH, BSSO |
Mon., Oct. 25 | vs. Maple Leafs | 19 o’clock | BSSO, SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS |
Thursday, October 28th | against Bruins | 19 o’clock | BSSO, NESN, SN360, SNE, SNO, SNP |
Fri., Oct. 29 | against Blackhawks | 19 o’clock | NBCSCH, BSSO |
Sun, Oct 31 | against coyotes | 13 o’clock | BSSO, BSAZ |
When are the Canadiens’ next five games?
date | opponent | Time (ET) | channel |
Sat., October 23 | against Red Wings | 19 o’clock | CITY, TVAS, BSDET |
Tue., Oct. 26 | at octopuses | 22 O `clock | TSN2, RDS, ROOT-NW, |
Thursday, October 28th | with sharks | 10:30 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, NBCSCA |
Saturday, October 30th | at Kings | 4 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, BSW |
Sun, Oct 31 | in ducks | 4 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, BSSC, BSSD |