Jesperi Kotkaniemi: why would the Canucks want him?

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Vancouver Canucks may be close to signing forward Elias Pettersson to a lucrative contract extension. An announcement could be made shortly.

In fact, we understand that the Canucks have been chatting a bit with other teams to see if he could be traded, given that he didn’t seem in a hurry to negotiate.

The negotiations(with Carolina, in particular) obviously created a sense of urgency, which meant that discussions with the Canucks were relaunched with the player.

What’s interesting here is that David Pagnotta reported that names like Martin Necas and Jesperi Kotkaniemi have been discussed on the Carolina side of the table.

Wait for it: Jesperi Kotkaniemi? The one we know and love?

The fascinating thing is that Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a bad hockey player who earns too much for too long. There’s no way he has positive value on the trade market.

He has six points since November 29, including an assist yesterday. That’s one point every two weeks. #NotMuch

The only reason I can see KK heading to Vancouver is because of salary. After all, payrolls aren’t easy to balance.

It really isn’t.

If the discussions went any further than saying “no” to the Canes’ request, I wonder to what extent the goal might not have been to buy out the last six years of his contract at $4.82 million a year.

I’m not saying it would have happened, but buying out a player his age only costs 1/3 of his remaining contract, not 2/3… and the impact on the payroll is minimal.

I bring up this theory (even though I don’t really believe in it) because I’m trying to understand. After all, the Canes know that KK’s market value is negative and I don’t see Vancouver taking him to keep him.

They’re not thick full-time.

If a deal involving Pettersson and KK (plus other pieces, obviously), the Hurricanes would have had to pay to get the fabulous player from the Canucks, but also pay to send KK to BC. It would have been EXPENSIVE.

The former Canadiens player doesn’t have a contract that a club can “take a chance” on right now.

In bursts

– He was tired of pedaling in a vacuum.

“Hockey in Quebec is sick, and we’ve let Jocelyn down”.

Denis Gauthier doesn’t mince words about Jocelyn Thibault’s departure from Hockey Québec pic.twitter.com/sUZt3UVd5I

– RDS (@RDSca) March 1, 2024

– Read more.

WOMEN WHO LEARNED HOW TO WIN

EVEN TRUDEAU HURTS LOCAL BOXING

Read Réjean Tremblay’s latest two-part Editorial HERE https://t.co/WmvwgKhGV9#boxe #hockey #LPHF #réjeantremblay pic.twitter.com/VqpesP7yCf

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) March 1, 2024

– Do you learn languages in the NHL?

If the Gatineau native wants to perfect his Russian, he’s found the right trio mates! #ALLCAPS

The @JFChaumontLNH article https://t.co/BRaVxycfZK pic.twitter.com/MGSLLqi9eY

– NHL (@NHL_EN) March 1, 2024

– Mark Stone injured: the Knights have a lot on their plate.

Darren Dreger on Insider Trading says #VegasBorn‘s Mark Stone is out for the rest of the regular season and is questionable for Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“You can be certain Kelly McCrimmon will utilize his cap space.”

– NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) February 29, 2024

– What will the Kansas City Royals be doing in 2024?[MLB Passion]

– Notice to interested parties.