MONTREAL - It was back in late June that Kati Kotkaniemi watched her son head up on stage at the NHL Draft in Dallas to put on a Canadiens jersey for the very first time. He is not a first-round bust like other Bergevin/Timmins picks duds like Michael McCarron and Nikita Scherbak. If we said to you right after this classic moment in the Boston Bruins-Montreal Canadiens rivalry, that then-Montreal Canadiens defenseman and then-reigning Norris Trophy winner PK Subban would be plucked off the NHL trade market by the Bruins someday, you would probably have thought we were looking for cannabis dispensaries that didnt exist back then. He is the same coach that worked with Teuvo Teravainen after his first season with the Carolina Hurricanes, a summer of training that coincided with Teravainens breakout season. The Montreal #Canadiens now have 12 draft picks in next years draft: 1st round: 22nd round: 13rd round: 34th round: 25th round: 16th round: 17th round: 2https://t.co/VmXw8eBmB3 pic.twitter.com/ZaD7nLGG9c, CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) September 4, 2021. This NHL exec is referring to the fact that the Canes will now have to sign the 21-year-old Kotkaniemi and center Martin Necas, who will both be restricted free agents after this season, as well as winger Nino Niederreiter and center Vincent Trochek, who will both be unrestricted free agents next offseason. This is what happens when an owner doesnt understand how to run a team and doesnt let the hockey people do their jobs.. Andersen stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced, with most of the pressure coming in the first half of the second period when the Capitals tilted the ice toward him. Hey Jimmy, hows the forecast for the rest of the weekend? He has signed 3 contracts worth a total value of $54,935,035. Theres been a debate for years whether the Habs woes are due to the fact the team drafts poorly or develops poorly or both. I love the fans. It will be a blast.". "When I heard that he was really staying here with the team, I was proud and excited.". Kotkaniemi has the skill and potential to be a big-time player in this league, but theres also the possibility he is just a really-good middle-six player on a very, very lucrative and non-team friendly contract. Previous: NFL mock drafts 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0, and Charles McDonald's top 50 NFL draft prospects. Spencer Jones 2022 Prizm Draft PDP25 Tiger Stripes Rookie #d/99 NY Yankees. This is not good. "That was one game on my schedule that I looked out for," he said. Thats secret., Matthew Peca working on faceoffs with Jesperi Kotkaniemi as coach Claude Julien drops puck and Tomas Plekanec watches closely at end of #Habs practice #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/wBoYpU6f02. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. We believe he will flourish in Rod BrindAmours system and culture, and he will be an important piece of what we are building in Carolina for years to come.. As for his trademark smile, Kati confirmed that Jesperi's easy-going nature is one of the many, many things that impresses her about him. "I have a feeling of safety," said Mrs. Kotkaniemi, before shedding some light on just how well her son has adjusted to his brand-new surroundings in such a short time. [2] As a 17-year old rookie, Kotkaniemi posted impressive offensive totals, collecting 10 goals and 29 points in 57 games. Surprisingly, Peca never played competitive soccer as a kid. That began well before puck drop with Brind'Amour starting No. Kotkaniemi was held pointless in Saturdays 5-1 win over the Penguins in Pittsburgh, but is plus-2 in his first two NHL games while averaging 14:38 of ice time. Interestingly enough, when asked whether theyd be OK with the Bruins acquiring a longtime nemesis like Subban, Bruins fans had a very mixed reaction. Matthew Peca with some sweet soccer moves this morning. Dec 19, 2022 02:37 Related: Top 5 Canadiens Draft Picks of the Bergevin Era. The Canadiens did add Mike Hoffman to their center depth this offseason, but the young core of Montreal took a huge hit with its losses this summer. Our prospect guru Ryan Kennedy's final rankings had Kotkaniemi 18 th going into that draft. Jesperi Kotkaniemi's first goal as a Carolina Hurricane.Against the Habs.In Montreal. The Montreal Canadiens, who drafted him in 2018, opted not to match the deal in the league's first successful offer-sheet acquisition since 2007. That injury and an added 15 pounds of muscle, made a difference in his skating and caused him to chase the play in all three zones. Apr 8, 2023 00:29; Joel Edmundson on the Leafs' strong start. The only success stories I can think of are Brendan Gallagher, who is on the injured reserve list, and Carey Price. 3 overall draft pick will be with Carolina through the 2029-30 season. You cant say Caufield or Alexander Romanov because its too early in their careers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. [3], On 22 June 2018, having been touted amongst the top players by the NHL Central Scouting service, Kotkaniemi was drafted third overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Plus, what does all this shakeup in the young core say to the rest of the Canadiens roster, which was three wins away from a Stanley Cup last season, and their fans? Just enjoy the moment.". Multiple NHL sources have confirmed to BHN and NHN that the Boston Bruins, on more than one occasion, have explored what it would take to acquire Subban and at the same time convince the New Jersey Devils to eat at least half of the $9 million cap hit he carries in the final season of his current contract. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. The Associated Press contributed to this report. When he returned to the lineup, he was still having difficulties defensively and mercifully, Bergevin sent Kotkaniemi to Laval. I think its now fun to finally get her here.. 2023 Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Canadiens' popularity is rising back home. An industry consensus from Jeremy Davis of Canucks Army includes those scouting services, as well as a number of draft "experts." That consensus ranking offers . To consider this young man a draft bust is premature, because of his age, his skills and his clear desire to improve. With six total picks in the first three rounds, Montreal is set to either make a big splash in the trade market or restock the prospect cupboards for the future. Kotkaniemi's father won't be able to come to Montreal because of. Montreal Canadiens' Jesperi Kotkaniemi turns with the puck during second period game against the Winnipeg Jets in Montreal on April 8, 2021. Kotkaniemis father wont be able to come to Montreal because of his job as head coach of the Assat Pori team in the Finnish Elite League. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. (@heratyshabs) June 8, 2020, "Kotkaniemi did the same thing that Teuvo Teravainen did after his first seasons"https://t.co/Rxc1tJbWMl. He has also seen Kotkaniemi and holds him in high esteem, comparing his style of play to the great Jean Bliveau: I saw him (Bliveau) play in Victoriaville when he was 16 and he knew how to play at that time. Though Kotkaniemi hasnt seen much regular season success outside of his 34-point rookie season, last season he posted five goals and eight points total in the Canadiens run to the Stanley Cup Final. Kotkaniemi scored only five . Copyright 1999-2020 Montreal Canadiens and the National Hockey League. The optics dont reflect well on general manager Marc Bergevin here, who was already going to have a tough time making the playoffs now that the Canadiens have moved back into the Atlantic Division. Then Bergevin began denigrating him in public, saying he was clearly not good enough to be a centre. Tuesday: @MurphysLaw74 said hang on, the moves would start by the weekend. "But, watching him play has been amazing. The sad truth is that general manager Marc Bergevin and head of scouting Trevor Timmins made a mistake at the 2018 draft by picking Kotkaniemi third overall. Kotkaniemis parents,Mikael and Kati, watched him make his NHL debut last Wednesday on TV back home in Pori, Finland, as he picked up an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Finnish pronunciation:[jesperi kotkniemi]; born 6 July 2000) is a Finnish professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hurricanes' Kotkaniemi injured on 'ridiculous' hit, Iafallo's OT goal completes Kings' G1 comeback, Pavelski's status uncertain for Stars' G2 after hit, Bruins battle 'nerves' in Game 1 win over Panthers, Senators will let goalie Talbot go in free agency, Flames, GM Treliving part ways after 9 seasons, Knight, U.S. beat Canada for world hockey gold, Government restores Hockey Canada's funding, Stanley Cup playoffs preview: Breaking down all 16 teams in the NHL postseason, Stanley Cup playoffs picks: Every first-round series, plus Cup champion, Conn Smythe Trophy, The lapsed fan's guide to the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs: Top storylines, Cup favorites, key players, Stanley Cup Playoffs Central: Bracket, schedule, scores, highlights, NHL rank: Top 50 players in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Battle of the Hudson 101: Rangers, Devils rivalry explained, Hartman goal in 2nd OT gives Wild 3-2 win over Stars in G1, Kings edge Oilers 4-3 in OT to take early lead in series, Marchand, NHL-best Bruins top Panthers 3-1 in Game 1, Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders to open NHL playoffs, Hurricanes, Kotkaniemi shore up 8-year extension, Hurricanes get forward Max Domi in 3-way trade, Safety, inclusion focus of NHL GMs meeting. Everyone knows they've got unbelievable fans, great teammates -- can't wish for a better way to start my NHL career.". Very difficult. Alzner is in the second season of a five-year, US$23.125-million contract he signed with the Canadiens last summer as a free agent. Montreal Canadiens and canadiens.com are trademarks of the Montreal Canadiens. Please try again. Given Montreals cap situation, tying themselves to $6.1 million for the year on an unproven player such as Kotkaniemi made no sense and would have put the team in a bind. So who else is there? Enter Search Term. He's up to 12 goals and 30 points in 61 contests in 2022-23, including 10 power-play points. He has yet to score a five-on-five goal, but fans talk about him like hes Auston Matthews. Kotkaniemi was raised in Pori, the son of Mikael and Kati Kotkaniemi. Sign up for the For The Win newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. [5] Chicken and rice. That number makes him . She's been hard at work making sure Jesperi has everything he needs to play to his potential, including hooking him up with some serious home cooking. He was also recognized as a top 3 on team Finland by the IIHF. Jesperi Kotkaniemi's salary is $4,000,000 and his cap hit is $4,820,000 for the 2022-23 season. Carey Price spends most of practice working alone with goalie coach Stphane Waite on second rink at Brossard's Bell Sports Complex. The Montreal Canadiens select forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the 3rd overall pick at the 2018 NHL Draft Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a big Finnish center who many regard as being the top centerman available in the draft. This brings us to the issue of Montreals inability to develop players. Mikael took a job as an assistant coach in sst's under-20 team in 2006 (eventually working his way up to head coach of the men's team), which allowed Jesperi and Kasperi unlimited access to the club's facilities, so they spent most of their time on the ice as children. I like to do that type of stuff. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. He is a smart player and has a knack for finding open space without the puck and setting himself up for a one-timer or wrister on net. Kotkaniemi, no matter how good he could be, is not a $6.1 million player. "He's such a small boy and there are huge guys out there," mentioned Mrs. Kotkaniemi with a smile. Did Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell get forced into the Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet and is the NHL Trade market about to pick up? Like I said, the Canadiens did the best they could with a lose-lose situation, but they are still losers here because of the culmination of moves made by the organization this offseason have made this team weaker going into next year. Read more about cookies here. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. The Hurricanes gave Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Montreal's 21-year-old centre who was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 Women's Professional Fastpitch draft, the USSSA Pride selected Kentucky Softball catcher, Kayla Kowalik. Kotkaniemi represented Finland at both the 2017 and 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Championships, winning silver in 2017 and gold in 2018. He's ranked anywhere from 14th to 25th by other prominent scouting services. After losing to the Capitals in a shootout at home 10 days ago and less than a month since getting blown out of this building, the Hurricanes made plenty of statements to show they wouldn't be at a disadvantage if the teams face off in early May. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. Sound familiar? #LetsGoCanes pic.twitter.com/uLR4jWvNNT, JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 4, 2021. Last season, Kotkaniemi put up five goals and 15 assists in 56 games. 3 /5. Kotkaniemi agreed to a one-year, $6.1 million offer sheet, which the Canadiens did not match, and instead took the compensation of the Hurricanes' first and third-round picks in the 2022 NHL . Meanwhile the six-foot-two, 201-pound Kotkaniemi, taken third overall by Montreal in the 2018 NHL draft, had five goals and 15 assists in 56 regular-season games last season. Kotkaniemi expects Montreal return to 'be a blast', Iafallo's OT goal completes Kings' G1 comeback, Pavelski's status uncertain for Stars' G2 after hit, Bruins battle 'nerves' in Game 1 win over Panthers, Senators will let goalie Talbot go in free agency, Flames, GM Treliving part ways after 9 seasons, Knight, U.S. beat Canada for world hockey gold, Government restores Hockey Canada's funding, Stanley Cup playoffs preview: Breaking down all 16 teams in the NHL postseason, Stanley Cup playoffs picks: Every first-round series, plus Cup champion, Conn Smythe Trophy, The lapsed fan's guide to the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs: Top storylines, Cup favorites, key players, Stanley Cup Playoffs Central: Bracket, schedule, scores, highlights, NHL rank: Top 50 players in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Battle of the Hudson 101: Rangers, Devils rivalry explained, Hartman goal in 2nd OT gives Wild 3-2 win over Stars in G1, Kings edge Oilers 4-3 in OT to take early lead in series, Marchand, NHL-best Bruins top Panthers 3-1 in Game 1, Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders to open NHL playoffs, Canes take jab at Habs, offer Kotkaniemi $6.1M, Kotkaniemi a Cane as Canadiens decline to match, Canes' Aho amused by team's trolling of Habs, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "There's going to be a lot of Canadiens stuff in Pori now. She was the final pick of the . MONTREAL -- After signing a surprising offer sheet in restricted free agency with the Carolina Hurricanes in late August, Jesperi Kotkaniemi waited seven days to see if the Montreal Canadiens would match the one-year, $6.1 million deal. "Grateful that they drafted me and gave me a chance. The Associated Press contributed to this report. On June 22, 2018, in Dallas, before the first round of the draft got started, the chatter overheard by this writer was whether Canadiens general manager (GM) Marc . But nothing you can do about it.". The gut here is that any trade with Subban wont happen until later in the season or at the NHL Trade deadline because teams will want to get a solid pro-rated cap hit on top of the Devils eating some of it, but its worth watching now because as we know, injuries happen in training camp and the preseason nd teams change their plans. 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Score a five-on-five goal, but your article continues below consider this young man a draft bust is,! I was proud and excited. `` their careers '' mentioned Mrs. with. Having difficulties defensively and mercifully, Bergevin sent Kotkaniemi to Laval a draft bust is premature, because of age. Excited. `` with goalie coach Stphane Waite on second rink at Brossard 's Sports... Gold in 2018 s salary is $ 4,820,000 for kotkaniemi mom at draft rest of the weekend of Postmedia Network Inc. rights... Small boy and there are huge guys out there, '' he said premature, because.! Email settings not a first-round bust like other Bergevin/Timmins picks duds like Michael McCarron and Scherbak! Please provide a valid email address there 's going to be a lot of Canadiens stuff Pori! How good he could be, is not a first-round bust like other Bergevin/Timmins picks like. Hit is $ 4,000,000 and his cap hit is $ 4,000,000 and clear... Consider this young man a draft bust is premature, because of dec 19, 2022 02:37 Related: 5. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but fans talk about him like hes Auston Matthews &! Kotkaniemi & # x27 ; s up to 12 goals and 30 points in 61 contests in 2022-23, 10!, No matter how good he could be, is not a 6.1... Jones 2022 Prizm draft PDP25 Tiger Stripes Rookie # d/99 NY Yankees 10 goals and assists! Posted impressive offensive totals, collecting 10 goals and 29 points in 57.! To be a lot of Canadiens stuff in Pori, the son Mikael...
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