Nikolai Kovalenko could make his San Jose Sharks debut tonight despite not officially skating with the team.

Klim Kostin took a puck to the foot at the end of San Jose Sharks' morning skate and went off the ice in pain and a noticeable limp.

Kostin was skating with the top line with Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli. He's been skating better in recent games and has been rewarded with a boost in the lineup. In his last game, Kostin skated a season-high 15:26.

Ethan Cardwell is still with the team and would likely skate somewhere in the lineup, as Kovalenko didn't make it to the morning skate in time. 

Kovalenko and goaltender Alexandar Georgiev were delayed in leaving Pittsburgh after they were traded from the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. Georgiev will be Vitek Vanecek's backup goalie against the Carolina Hurricanes.

While it might be a long shot to have Kovalenko play in the San Jose Sharks lineup tonight, tossing him right into the fire might not be the worst idea. The Hurricanes play a fast-paced, north-south game that Kovalenko's style matches. It will take time for the new winger to learn the system, but head coach Ryan Warsofsky might want to get a look at his newest player as quickly as possible.

It is important to note that Warsofsky didn't officially rule out Kostin for tonight's game but said he would be a game-time decision. Pregame warmups are expected to start at 3:30 p.m. PT, which will confirm who is in the Sharks' lineup.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Sharks Activate Veteran Forward But Place Rookie On IR

Avalanche Hope To Extend Newly Acquired Mackenzie Blackwood

Breaking Down The Sharks Newest Forward, Nikolai Kovalenko

BREAKING: Sharks Trade No. 1 Goalie To Avalanche

BREAKING: Sharks Place Slim Playing Winger On Waivers

• undefined