Montreal Canadiens: Ideal linemates for Jesperi Kotkaniemi

More to Choose From

There are going to be a lot of debuts in the AHL for the Montreal Canadiens this upcoming season. Similar to making the main club, there are some positives of Kotkaniemi playing with the Laval Rocket. Not only will he be gaining experience on North American ice, but it’s very close to the Habs so management can keep tabs on him frequently.

But it’s a rare occurrence to see an 18-year-old play in the AHL. The league is for all intents and purposes meant for development so, in that regard, it would make sense to have Kotkaniemi there. However, the clear fork in the road looks to be the Montreal Canadiens or Assat for the 2018-19 campaign.

If Kotkaniemi did end up in Laval, Kenny Agostino would be a good candidate for him to line up with. The 26-year-old has aspirations of making the NHL club after spending many seasons in the minors, but his ability to drive offence and possession through his shot totals and playmaking are incredible. Agostino has been a top point-getter on the majority of the teams he’s played for, and his pro-experience could help Kotkaniemi adjust.

On his right could be another skilled rookie in Alexandre Alain, but a player such as Hayden Verbeek would be an interesting candidate. The Montreal Canadiens signed him out of the OHL and plays a game similar to that of Brendan Gallagher using his speed to be relentless on the puck. Characteristics like those could be a good complementary piece to the way both Kotkaniemi and Agostino play.