'One Goal in His Last 41 Games': Former Canadiens Top Pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi Faces Harsh Reality in Carolina
Jesperi Kotkaniemi's situation with the Carolina Hurricanes is more fragile than ever, as the former Canadiens forward is going through a slump drawing reactions across the NHL.
Nothing is going right for Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
The Finnish forward, who has scored just one goal in his last 41 games according to NHL Watcher, is going through an extremely difficult period.
"Jesperi Kotkaniemi has 1 goal in his last 41 games dating back to last season's playoffs and regular season."
- NHL Watcher
- NHL Watcher
For a player drafted third overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2018, the reality is harsh.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi No Longer Has Rod Brind'Amour's Trust
According to Marco Normandin, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour has completely lost patience with him.
Despite an obvious need at the second-line center position, Kotkaniemi is no longer even among the options considered by his coach.
This shows just how broken the trust is between the player and the organization.
It's worth remembering that Kotkaniemi still has five seasons remaining on his eight-year contract, worth $4.82 million per year.
A contract that now seems heavy to carry, both for the player and the team.
"Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is in year 4 of his 8 year, 4.8M aav deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, is being healthy scratched tonight vs the Sharks."
- The Rink Report
- The Rink Report
Since arriving in Carolina, he has never been able to establish himself as a true top-6 player, despite all the opportunities he has been given.
I must admit that I find this situation sad to witness, especially for a young player who was welcomed in Montreal with so much hope.
Even though Canadiens fans do not regret Kent Hughes' decision to refuse matching the hostile offer at the time, it's hard not to feel some compassion.
With just one goal in his last 41 games, Kotkaniemi seems more than ever on the edge of the abyss.
And at 25 years old, the window to revive his career is beginning to close dangerously.
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