Jiri Tlusty skated with Eric Staal and Alexander Semin at practice Monday, and this is expected to be the Canes' first line on opening night, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Tlusty skated with Eric Staal and Alexander Semin at practice Monday, and this is expected to be the Canes' first line on opening night, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Analysis:

At the start of training camp, there was some speculation whether new coach Bill Peters would insert Jeff Skinner in Tlusty's spot on the top line. However, at this point it appears Tlusty will at least open the season as the team's No. 1 left winger, which is good news considering the disappointing 30-point campaign he stumbled through last season. Having said that, Peters will likely not hesitate to switch things up if Tlusty struggles out of the gate, so he remains a somewhat risky fantasy selection in our minds.