Six games into the season, the Carolina Hurricanes have managed a respectable 8 points. While they’ve shown solid performances, there’s still some refining to do before they fully meet head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s standards. In the midst of a long road trip, the Canes have a chance to build cohesion and carry momentum into the holiday season.
Throughout a season, players naturally experience highs and lows, but fans have their eyes on key players for early impact. In Edmonton, Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas delivered multi-point games, placing them first and second in team points, with 7 and 8, respectively. Another player showing promise is Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who recorded a point in both Alberta games.
Since being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens via an offer sheet in 2022, Kotkaniemi has sparked mixed reactions. Initially seen as unfinished, he showed glimpses of potential during the playoffs in Montreal, but most of the hype around him came from his status as the third overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. The Hurricanes doubled down on him with an 8-year, $4.82 million annual contract, which added to the scrutiny.
Now 24, the Finnish forward has over 400 NHL games under his belt but has yet to hit the 20-goal mark. His best season in 2023 saw him score 18 goals and 25 assists as the Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference Finals. However, last season was a setback, with only 12 goals and 27 points, and his ice time declined by nearly two minutes per game, indicating Brind’Amour’s decreasing trust.
The high cap hit and limited top-line production from Kotkaniemi have also constrained roster flexibility for general manager Eric Tulsky. This summer, rumors surfaced about a potential buyout or trade, though selling low wouldn’t yield much return.
Despite the challenges, the Hurricanes decided to keep Kotkaniemi, and so far, he’s nearly at a point-per-game pace through the first six games. It’s early days, but any positive performance from him is encouraging, especially after a rocky offseason. In an 82-game season, consistency will be key, but Kotkaniemi’s solid start is promising for both him and the Canes.
Looking at his contract, it’s unclear if Kotkaniemi can fully justify its terms, and a buyout could still be on the horizon in the future. While his 5 assists show promise, sustaining this pace and boosting his goal-scoring will be crucial to avoiding that outcome.
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