Major statement from Canes head coach regarding Jesperi Kotkaniemi and his future in Carolina

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Jeff Drouin
July 19, 2022 (5:35 PM)

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In his first season in Carolina, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has not impressed the Hurricanes' management.

In 66 games, the former Canadiens' player collected only 29 points and was rather invisible in the playoffs with only two assists in 14 games.

Still, Hurricanes management has given Kotkaniemi a new eight-year contract and as reported by my colleague David St-Jean of Marqueur.com, KK could get a promotion this fall.

A major development regarding his future with the Hurricanes; they are thinking big for him and want to keep him around for a very long time.

Now that Vincent Trocheck has signed a contract with the New York Rangers, the second center position is vacant with the Hurricanes and the team's head coach, Rod Brind'Amour, is intent on giving Kotkaniemi a chance.

"He has the potential to be the type of center we are looking for. He'll get every chance. We're going to work with him for the very long term."

Obviously, this is great news for the third overall pick in 2018, but he will have some competition at the team's training camp in September.

A certain Seth Jarvis will certainly be considered to become the Hurricanes' second center, who had a very good first NHL season with a 40-point performance in 68 games while adding three goals and five assists in the playoffs.

There will be competition at the next Hurricanes camp, but Kotkaniemi seems to have an advantage over the others and it is his job to lose.

Can KK be a good second center for the Hurricanes, in your opinion?