Jesperi Kotkaniemi traded? Massive unexpected revelation

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Aaron
July 20, 2024 (8:58 PM)

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With a season start of 12 points in as many games, many thought Jesperi Kotkaniemi had found his rhythm with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The former first-round pick of the Canadiens, however, has reverted to his old habits and faced difficult times. Known as KK, he finished the season with 27 points, including 12 goals, in 79 games. This means he only accumulated 15 points in 67 games after his hot start. According to him during the end-of-season review, it was a challenging year.

«Overall, it was horrible. The year was very difficult for me. [...] I could have done much better. I will try to forget it and focus on the next one,» he said. «It will be as usual, trying to work hard to come back stronger and be ready next year.» - Jesperi Kotkaniemi

With a contract that is hard to trade, it didn't take long before the idea of buying out the young man's contract came up. Many have noted that a buyout this year would have been advantageous for the Canes since KK is under 25, which would mean a buyout at one-third of the salary instead of two-thirds.

However, as we are in mid-July, the Finn is still a player for the Canes. He will likely not be bought out, and the only way for the organization to get rid of him would be to trade him.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi traded to the Calgary Flames? It's been suggested!

In a recent column for The Athletic, Eric Duhatschek suggested that the new GM of the team, Eric Tulsky, should look towards the Calgary Flames to send KK their way.

He believes, like many, that KK needs a change of scenery and to play significant minutes. He leans towards the Flames because they definitely need a center and have the cap space to take on Kotkaniemi's burdensome contract.

«[...] Jack Drury needs to play a bigger role and maybe Jesperi Kotkaniemi needs a new home or an opportunity to play more impactful minutes. Personally, I would try to trade Kotkaniemi to Calgary because the Flames suddenly have the most cap space of any team in the league and might need help in the middle.» - Eric Duhatschek

The main question is whether Craig Conroy and the Flames really want the $4.82M salary for another four seasons. The fact that Tulsky needs to sign Seth Jarvis, Martin Necas, and Jack Drury this summer might push him to trade the former Canadiens player at a discount. Especially since the new GM only has $11.68M to agree with these three players.

KK's contract is truly one of the worst awarded in recent years. It drags the organization down, all for a matter of the owner's pride...