The Carolina Hurricanes about to make a major move on Jesperi Kotkaniemi?
It still seems like a long time ago, but a year ago, former third overall pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi was still with the Montreal Canadiens.
Since then, as you know, he signed a hostile $6.1 million offer with the Carolina Hurricanes and switched organizations, but despite the efforts of his new team at the beginning of the season, Kotkaniemi was never really able to take his wanderings.
In his first season with his new team, he spent most of his time on the fourth line. His head coach Rod Brind'Amour tried him out on the top two lines several times, but KK never proved that he deserved the promotion.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, 21, ended up with 12 goals and 17 assists for a total of 29 points in 66 games (plus 0 goals and 2 points in 14 playoff games)
A BIG PROMOTION FOR KK?
According to journalist Chip Alexander, who covers the Hurricanes closely and has strong contacts within the organization, things could change.
The Carolina Hurricanes are said to be on the verge of making a major move for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, as the Hurricanes' senior reporter says to expect a big promotion for the former Montreal Canadiens' third overall pick.
Kotkaniemi would take advantage of the probable departure of center Vincent Trocheck, to take the position left vacant by the latter. (the second center position)
This would be a big confidence gesture towards Kotkaniemi, but the Canes would really be on the verge of letting Trocheck go.
So check out the Carolina Hurricanes' 2022-23 lineup, according to the veteran reporter assigned to cover the Hurricanes:
Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
Teuvo Teravainen - Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Martin Necas
Nino Niederreiter - Jordan Staal - Jesper Fast
Steven Lorentz - Jack Drury - Jordan Martinook
Can't wait to see the outcome of this, if it comes to fruition, especially since KK would be in a position where he has to be the second center on a Stanley Cup contending team.
This will require him to produce up to expectations (offensively), as well as being solid in his zone. Can he do it?
To be continued!
Remember that starting next year, Kotkaniemi will "fall" on a new contract and he will earn 4.82 million per season, for the next 8 years.
Credit: Marco Normandin, HABSolumentFan
| POLL | ||
Do you think Jesperi Kotkaniemi is ready to be a second NHL center (for a contending team, no less) | ||
| Yes | 44 | 12.6 % |
| No, big mistake by the Canes! | 169 | 48.3 % |
| He's a 3rd liner at best | 137 | 39.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
