Hurricanes' Svechnikov makes season debut vs. Sharks

Andrei Svechnikov is back.

The Carolina Hurricanes forward made his season debut Friday against the San Jose Sharks after missing 41 games due to a torn ACL.

Svechnikov sustained the injury on March 11 against the Vegas Golden Knights. He tallied 23 goals and 55 points in 64 games last season prior to his season-ending injury.

"When he gives us the green light, we'll definitely chuck him in there," head coach Rod Brind'Amour told team reporter Walt Ruff on Wednesday.

Svechnikov was kept out of the lineup Thursday against the Seattle Kraken.

Carolina initially anticipated the 23-year-old to return for the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Hurricanes entered Friday sitting in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division at 4-4-0.