Certainly a story that's making waves online and not helping Marc Bergevin's reputation.
Last night was a special moment for Jesperi Kotkaniemi and his family as his grandparents were present to see him play in the NHL for the first time. Undoubtedly, an emotional moment.
However, this wasn't the first time his grandparents made the trip from Finland. In a press conference on Tuesday night, KK revealed that they came in 2020 during his second season with the Canadiens.
After a full season in Montreal and a start to the new campaign with the Canadiens, Marc Bergevin decided to demote him to the Laval Rocket, but it was arguably the worst timing.
"It was good. My grandparents traveled the night before [Monday]. When they came to Montreal, I had been sent down to the minors that same day. That's what Montreal decided. So, they had never seen me play in the National League. I feel good now and here," Kotkaniemi said via The Hockey News.
It's truly disheartening when you think about it. We understand that hockey is a business, but there is still a human side to consider. The young player receives his family who traveled from Finland to see him, and on the same day, he's sent to Laval.
It's an entire family that was disappointed due to this questionable management decision by Marc Bergevin. A lack of respect towards the young player and his grandparents.
At least, the story ends well as Kotkaniemi scored a goal in a 6-3 victory for his team.
