Habs' Kotkaniemi to return vs. Lightning following concussion

Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi will return to the lineup Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team announced.

Kotkaniemi has missed the club's last eight games after suffering a concussion Dec. 5 against the Colorado Avalanche. The sophomore forward landed awkwardly on his head after Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov hammered him against the boards.

Kotkaniemi has struggled with both health and production in his second NHL season. The 19-year-old pivot missed the first two weeks of November with a groin injury and has mustered just three goals and five points through 22 contests this season after recording 34 points in 79 games as a rookie.