Kotkaniemi, Caufield, Romanov to be scratched for Game 1 vs. Leafs

Montreal Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed youngsters Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Cole Caufield won't be in the team's lineup for Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

Ducharme also revealed rookie defenseman Alexander Romanov will miss the first contest, according to Engels.

The pair of forwards have been practicing as extras this week. Ducharme expects to use the duo at some point and will prepare them to play when they get in the lineup, the bench boss added.

These were the lines employed at Tuesday's practice:

Caufield appeared in 10 games with the Canadiens down the stretch of the campaign, scoring four goals and adding one assist. Kotkaniemi skated in all 56 games this season, recording five goals and 15 assists. Romanov played in 54 contests, scoring one goal and adding five assists.