Montreal Canadiens: NHL debut looks more likely for Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Closer to the Show

Kotkaniemi has done enough to get a nine-game audition and has caught the attention of the coaching staff early on.

That’s a big compliment from Julien here. He’s acknowledging that not only is Kotkaniemi good for the team when he’s on the ice, but he makes his teammates better as well. A quality all teams look for in a player, but especially in a centre, and one who you hope to be one in your top six one day.

Wednesday’s game against the Leafs is going to be a test. However, not as many are making it out to be. It is going to be difficult to take on the centre depth they have in Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Nazem Kadri. That said, how he plays in this one game isn’t going to take away from the positive things he’s showed the Montreal Canadiens so far.

Playing with Paul Byron and Artturi Lehkonen was a good idea from Julien. Kotkaniemi already has experience playing with Lehkonen, and his shot generation is the perfect combination for a player who is always looking for the opportunity to create a scoring chance. Byron is another element of speed, and defensive responsibility and his tenacity could lead to some ongoing cycles with quick puck movement. However, it’s possible Kotkaniemi returns to the top line between Jonathan Drouin and Joel Armia.

Kotkaniemi is doing all the right things to remain in the good books of the Habs coaching staff. He’s gotten an opportunity to stand out because of the Max Domi suspension, and he has two more cracks at continuing the impression he’s leaving.

Going back to Finland may be the better choice for Kotkaniemi at this point of his development, even if he does make the team out of camp. But he’s making the decision a tough one for the Montreal Canadiens, and that’s all you could ask of a top-five pick.

Acknowledgements: Advanced stats from Natural Stat Trick.