It's may be just a random Thursday night during Week 2 of the NHL's newest season, but there could be fireworks — and we're not talking about on the ice. The Hurricanes and Canadiens mid-week game has a wild backstory that dates back two years.
In the summer of 2019, the story begins with an offer sheet to restricted free agent Sebastian Aho by the Canadiens. Carolina was none-too-thrilled by the move by Montreal and its general manager Marc Bergevin, but matched to retain the services of the young Finn.
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Then this past summer it was the Hurricanes' turn. GM Don Waddell and Co., and made an offer sheet for Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The move was oozing with pettiness, from the signing bonus to the statements and, of course, the tweets. Montreal opted to not match and he headed south.
"I just did what was best for me at the moment. So I feel everyone can do whatever they want," Kotkaniemi said regarding the fans' reaction, including boos.
While the off-ice dynamic shouldn't play too much of a role on the ice, the game does feature two clubs heading in different directions. Montreal has started off 0-4-0 while the Hurricanes are 2-0-0.
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Here's everything you need to know to watch the return of Kotkaniemi to Montreal.
What channel is Hurricanes vs. Canadiens on?
- Date: Thurs., Oct. 21
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV channel : BSSO (Carolina) | TSN2, RDS (Canada)
- Stream: BSSO, ESPN+ (U.S.) | TSN Direct (Canada)
Mike Maniscalco will have the call alongside analyst Tripp Tracy on Bally Sports South. In Canada, Bryan Mudryk will be on the play-by-play.
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All games below can also be seen nationally in the United States on ESPN+.
When are the Hurricanes next five games?
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Sat., Oct. 23 | at Blue Jackets | 7 p.m. | BSOH, BSSO |
| Mon., Oct. 25 | vs. Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. | BSSO, SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS |
| Thurs., Oct. 28 | vs. Bruins | 7 p.m. | BSSO, NESN, SN360, SNE, SNO, SNP |
| Fri., Oct. 29 | vs. Blackhawks | 7 p.m | NBCSCH, BSSO |
| Sun., Oct. 31 | vs. Coyotes | 1 p.m. | BSSO, BSAZ |
When are the Canadiens next five games?
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Sat., Oct. 23 | vs. Red Wings | 7 p.m. | CITY, TVAS, BSDET |
| Tues., Oct. 26 | at Kraken | 10 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, ROOT-NW, |
| Thurs., Oct. 28 | at Sharks | 10:30 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, NBCSCA |
| Sat., Oct. 30 | at Kings | 4 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, BSW |
| Sun., Oct. 31 | at Ducks | 4 p.m. | TSN2, RDS, BSSC, BSSD |