Oskar Osala kept denying that he was about to leave for the KHL. The rumor was persistent but the Charlotte Checkers forward kept denying it was true.

Guess what? He's leaving. Osala, 23, confirmed today via Twitter that he would be playing for Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the KHL next season. The 6-4, 225-pounder had 13 goals and 42 points in 59 games for the Checkers this season while piling up 139 penalty minutes.

"I'm excited to move on but hope to be back one day," Osala tweeted.

Canes general manager Jim Rutherford isn't so sure about that.

Canes center Brandon Sutter, who suffered a leg injury Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, has not been ruled out for Saturday'shome game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Coach Paul Maurice said Sutter would be further evaluated today and said he was "hopeful" would be able to play.

The Carolina Hurricanes announced this morning that winger Erik Cole will miss tonight's road game against the Washington Capitals because of illness.

With Cole sidelined, the Hurricanes have recalled left wing Oskar Osala from Albany (AHL). The promotion marks a speedy return to Washington, D.C. for the former Capital, who was acquired by the Hurricanes just last Wednesday in a trade that sent Joe Corvo to the Caps in exchange for Osala, Brian Pothier and a second-round pick.