Player Discussion Jesperi Kotkaniemi - (On Loan to Liiga)

[Adam Michaels]

This to keep him in game shape for next season?

My guess, it's to make sure that his playoff run wasn't a fluke. And to keep him playing so he keeps working on playing that type of game.

 

[ForeverHabs97]

I think KK is just scratching the surface of his potential that we saw in the playoffs.
His first year we saw his defensive IQ and awareness of the game.
Now we saw his physicality and offensive power in the playoffs.
Now wait for both to be combined, future top line center I hope.

 

[OldCraig71]

This is a good move, he benefitted greatly when he got sent to the AHL, so playing in his home country with little to no pressure will be good for him.

 

[26Mats]

Good news, if true.

Juulsen is the one that really needs to be playing. After him it's Mete, Poehling, Fleury, Brook, Evans...

 

[NotProkofievian]

Excellent. I'll get to watch him live again.

 

[Captain97]

Sweet, something to remember aswell is he was injured before the playoffs and has only played about 11-12 games in the since like February. This would be a good way for him to help get back to game speed.

 

[Wats]

Really hope he lights it up and carries over that momentum to NHL.

 

[CrAzYNiNe]

I remember the players that played overseas during the lockout shortened season had a great jump in their game compared to those who didn't play. Considering hes young, I hope he doesn't burn too much of his tank.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Great, if they got a spot open for him he should 100% go. I kinda wish Suzuki and Romanov would do the same, if there's an opening somewhere in europe I'd push for them to go as well .

 

[jaffy27]

That’s great!!!

 

[The Real Timo]

it's all great if he doesn't get injured

 

[Frenchy]

When is the target date for the nhl btw? December?

January 1st right now (Bettman confirmed it at the Draft). But that isn't confirmed. It may even be pushed back again some more.

Adam is correct it's jan 1st , but today on NHL radio they said late Jan/ early Feb.
You can also target late Feb early March as a possibility

 

[Tyson]

Keep the youngster playing

 

[Le Tricolore]

Sweet. Hope he does well.

 

[tazsub3]

thats awesome.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

Good news

 

[Habssince89]

I like this:

-Keeps him playing, improving, and in game shape
-Weaker Comp so he can try to dominate and have lesser stakes than in the NHL
-Is not a demotion since he's supposedly playing until the season is a go
-Gives us something to watch!

 

[TesseractPrice]

I tried to look up what Kotkaniemi 2.5M performance bonuses are? Julien will give him less TOI so he doesn't get them and stay under the cap which sucks for the kid on a hockey perspective

I wouldn't worry too much about that. If the league indeed goes with the rumoured Canadian division, it will be very competitive and Julien can't afford to downplay Kotkaniemi if he's good enough. We'll be cap compliant anyway because someone expensive will get injured at one point

 

[MSLs absurd thighs]

This is great news! The guy has to play.

 

[Krnage]

habs should do the same with Suzuki

 

[DAChampion]

Good news.

 

[Habaneros]

I guess this means he's going to be traded................................Hello TSN/Sportsnet

 

[Sterling Archer]

Great news. Now where are Suzuki, Juulsen and the rest of the younger players going to play?

 

[BaseballCoach]

habs should do the same with Suzuki

The Japanese league is not as strong

 

[Adam Michaels]

The Japanese league is not as strong