We thought Jesperi Kotkaniemi had hit the ground running in the NHL after starting the season with 12 points in as many games, but his fall was only more brutal.
The Finn is currently going through an absolutely disastrous spell: five points in his last 34 games or, if you prefer, three points in his last 27 games.
Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour's patience is clearly wearing thin as the third overall pick in the 2018 draft has played less than 10 minutes in each of his last three games.
One Grant McCagg, founder of Recruits, a website specializing in NHL prospects, was recognized on X for his affection for Kotkaniemi since the year he was drafted.
However, even McCagg seems to have thrown in the towel. In his latest publications, he admits to overestimating the potential of the former Montreal Canadiens forward.
I've been rooting for Jesperi Kotkaniemi since his draft year, and just when it looked like he was finally taking the next step – he has one goal and two assists in his last 27 games. Looks like I smelled it. The offensive prowess he showed at 17 simply never came.
– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) January 28, 2024
Kotkaniemi left the Canadiens in the summer of 2021 by signing a hostile offer from the Hurricanes, which Marc Bergevin refused to accept.
In March 2022, he signed an eight-year contract extension with the Hurricanes with an average annual value of $4.82 million.