Jesperi Kotkaniemi Explains Why his Stint with the Canadiens was so Disastrous

Many fans were shocked when the Canadiens set their sights on Jesperi Kotkaniemi as the third overall pick in the 2018 draft while Brady Tkachuk was still on the board.

The Senators' forward quickly made an impact in the NHL, bagging 35 goals and 48 assists this season. Meanwhile, KK never managed to secure a regular spot on the Habs' top two lines and after three disappointing seasons, he left the team to join the Carolina Hurricanes.

During an appearance on the 32 Thoughts podcast hosted by Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, the former Habs forward explained why he had struggled to progress with the Montreal team, suggesting that media scrutiny had a negative impact on his performance on the ice.




He is not the first, and likely not the last player to mention that the intense media attention in Montreal can sometimes play a significant role in the players' confidence, and thus their performance.

Fortunately for him, Jesperi Kotkaniemi seems to be thriving with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 22-year-old forward had his best season ever, recording 18 goals and 25 assists in 82 games, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him hit the 50-point plateau next season.

Do you truly believe that the media may have played a decisive role in Jesperi Kotkaniemi's development during his time in Montreal?


Via: NHL Watcher