LOS ANGELES -- The plan was for rookie forward Zach Boychuk to make his NHL debut Friday against the Los Angeles Kings, and to play on a line with Matt Cullen and Patrick Eaves.

That plan may have changed today when Tuomo Ruutu left the ice early in the Canes' workout  at the Toyota Center. Ruutu, who only skated for a few minutes, has been slowed by an injury that's related to the groin pull that kept him out of much of preseason training camp.

Ruutu said he hoped to get through practice but that there was too much soreness.

"Right now, he's day to day," Canes coach Peter Laviolette said after the workout at the Kings' practice rink. "He's probably doubtful (for the Kings' game.)"

Where's Tuomo Ruutu?

For much of the Hurricanes' training camp, that has been a big question among Canes fans. The answer: recovering from a groin pull, the forward said today.

But Ruutu was on the ice this morning for a workout, saying, "I felt pretty good." He will miss his sixth preseason game but appears close to being ready for Friday's season opener against Florida.

"It's been frustrating," he said. "I'd rather be out there than riding the bike."

Restricted free agent Tuomo Ruutu accepted his qualifying offer and is now under contract for this season at $2.25 million.

UPDATED: David Tanabe and Jeff Hamilton, meanwhile, have cleared waivers and the Canes have filed buyout paperwork. Tanabe's agent says he will "enforce David's rights under the CBA."