The Carolina Hurricanes are being chased around by a nagging desire to win. The team has positioned itself at the top of the Metropolitan Division with 57 points, riding a three-game winning streak. Parallel to this, there is potential for development within the team on the trade front.
Rumors have emerged that the Carolina front office is willing to listen to offers on forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The 25-year-old has already been offered as a trade return in the past in conversations with other teams, but the renewed attention on him is noteworthy.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s Future with the Carolina Hurricanes Uncertain as Trade Rumours Gain Currency
In a latest contribution to Sportsnet, insider Elliotte Friedman brought to light the Canes’ active interest in moving the forward. The 25-year-old was a high draft pick who never truly lived up to expectations. Never mind the occasional flashes of brilliance and impressive defensive prowess, the Canes forward has left fans wanting more.
However, this season, Kotkaniemi is spending the least time on ice ever. He has accumulated six points playing 25 games so far, and there is enough reason to believe that we could witness him parting ways with the Hurricanes soon.
After the 25-year-old failed to make Finland’s Olympic roster for Milan Cortina, the Canes management thought that perhaps he could benefit from a change of scenery. “Not making Finland’s Olympic team is understandably painful for him, and word around the NHL is the Hurricanes recognize he needs a fresh start,” Friedman explained in his write-up.
The Canes are hungry for the Cup, and every move the management makes ought to be viewed in that light. The Kotkaniemi trade will be just another step that furthers the team’s ambitions. “According to several sources, Carolina is considering offers as you read this. The Hurricanes are contending for a Stanley Cup, so they want either something that can help them now or something they can use to help them now. Either path is necessary to get something done.”
Moreover, the forward’s moderately affordable contract and young age could play a decisive role in discussions about his future.
“Keep in mind: 31-year-old Alexander Wennberg just signed for three years and $18 million; soon-to-be 30-year-old Christian Dvorak for five years and $25.75 million. It’s hard enough to find centres, there’s two off the free agent market for higher AAVs than what Kotkaniemi, who will be 26 in July, is owed — four years remaining at $4.82 million AAV,” the insider further wrote on the subject.
The Canes previously offered Kotkaniemi in return for Philip Danault and Quinn Hughes, so it hardly comes as a surprise that his name has been caught in the trade rumor mill again.
