Jesperi Kotkaniemi must want to stay in Montreal, despite all this...
Late yesterday, the Carolina Hurricanes broke the internet when they announced an offer sheet for Finnish forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. If they wanted to make a big splash, they did. Yes, there's a chance KK could end up in Raleigh, but where would he play, considering the Canes have so much depth at center?
Rod Brind'Amour's team is already counting on Sebastian Aho, Vincent Trocheck, Jordan Staal, Martin Necas and the latest addition Derek Stepan at that position, which would not leave much room for KK.
Let's talk! Let's say Marc Bergevin doesn't match Don Waddell's offer, that would mean that the Canes would pay KK $6.1 million, without being sure of his production. We agree, yes the Hurricanes may have a better team than the Habs on paper according to many, but hockey-wise, KK would be better off playing in Montreal. He would be given the second center position, given Danault's departure for Los Angeles.
If he went to Carolina, he wouldn't see much ice. I can't see KK getting past guys like Aho, Trocheck and Necas unless one of them is moved to the wing.
Sure, that $6.1 million contract would come with its own set of pressures, especially in Montreal. However, KK has agreed to this deal and its terms, so he must be aware of it. He knows that with a deal of this magnitude, he will have to deliver the goods, especially since he will have good wingers. Number 15 is only 21 years old, I'm not worried that he will want to prove to everyone that he is or will be worthy of this contract eventually, whether in Montreal or in Carolina.
