Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s name is drawing attention in Minnesota

Marc-Olivier Cook
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s name is drawing attention in Minnesota
Credit: Getty Images

The Jesperi Kotkaniemi situation has become truly catastrophic in Carolina.

The player isn't performing (really) as well as we'd like with the Hurricanes, and now the organization is stuck with his contract.

And the Finn still has four years left on his contract. KK is signed until the end of the 2029-2030 season (!) and at 25 years of age today, we're starting to lose prospects in his case.

The player's name has been the subject of a thousand and one rumors in recent years, and it's no different today.

According to David Pagnotta, there's one club in particular that has its eye on KK right now: the Minnesota Wild. And you know what?

Kotkaniemi may not be the player he once was… but the Wild still need him.

I say the Wild need him, and you'll understand why when you see the club's attack.

It's simple: at center, the Wild don't have much depth. You'll tell me that Joel Eriksson Ek is injured and I'll agree with you, but… still.

We agree that, on paper, it doesn't look spectacular:

(Credit: Screenshot / Daily Faceoff)

The Wild acquired Quinn Hughes in mid-December.

My point here… is that the club isn't here to fool around. Bill Guerin is going to want to improve his lineup before the start of the next playoffs, and clearly, the club is in desperate need of a center right now.

That's where Jesperi Kotkaniemi's name could become interesting in Minnesota. Again, we know he's lost some feathers… but maybe a change of scenery could do him some good too.

However, it's the player's contract that could scare off a possible deal…


Overtime

– Impressive.

– Coming up.

– I love it.

– It's done. The Dolphins have their new coach.

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