One point in his last 17 games: KK’s worst stretch of his career

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is off to a hot start in Carolina this season.

The center collected 12 points in his first 12 games of the campaign, and everyone at the Hurricanes thought the youngster was headed in the right direction.

But KK isn’t the most consistent player in the NHL, and that’s been the problem all along. The former Montreal Canadien has collected just one point in his last 17 outings… And that’s not enough.

At least, it’s not enough for a player who earns an annual salary of almost $5 million per season ($4.82 million):

It’s a shame because KK has great potential.

The Habs should have selected Brady Tkachuk third overall in the 2018 draft and everyone will agree on that.

But KK was drafted so high for a reason too. He’s got size, he’s got good offensive skills and the Habs thought they’d gotten their hands on the big, complete center they’d been looking for for so many years.

Still, I’m curious to see what the Hurricanes will do if the trend continues. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is tied to the team until the end of the 2029-2030 season, and if he isn’t able to become the player Carolina is hoping for, Don Waddell is going to have to make a decision.

It’s ironic, because the Hurricanes gave the Habs such a hard time after the hostile offer. And now, they’re the ones with a big problem on their hands.

In gusto

– Big transaction in the WHL.

Matthew Savoie has been traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors, where he joins Denton Mateychuk, Brayden Yager and Jagger Firkus, among others.

A team to watch in the WHL playoffs! https://t.co/6K6QivmHfU

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) January 4, 2024

– Great idea!

Our Lions hockey cards are now on sale!

Find them at the Colisée Vidéotron boutique on game days, as well as at the Go Sport boutique in Shawinigan! pic.twitter.com/49pjdnBqqb

– Trois-Rivières Lions (@Lions3r) January 4, 2024

– Makes sense.