Dougie Hamilton expected to suit up for Game 1 vs. Bruins

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour expects defenseman Dougie Hamilton to make his 2020 postseason debut in Game 1 against the Boston Bruins Wednesday, he said, according to The Athletic's Sara Civian.

The series-opening contest was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back due to a lengthy Game 1 between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Hamilton will take part in the team's warmup ahead of Game 1 before the team makes an official decision.

The 27-year-old didn't participate in the team's qualifying round series after suffering an undisclosed injury during Phase 3. Hamilton broke his fibula in January, but the current injury was reportedly not connected to it.

Before his injury during the 2019-20 season, Hamilton was among the best defencemen in the league. He racked up 14 goals and 26 assists in 46 games while averaging 23:17 minutes of ice time per game.

After sweeping the New York Rangers in the play-in round, the Hurricanes will kick off their series against the Bruins on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.