Montreal Canadiens centre Jesperi Kotkaniemi set the hockey world ablaze in summer when he signed an offer sheet with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Not only did he sign an offer sheet, but he signed one with surprising figures. Kotkaniemi’s one-year deal with the Hurricanes comes with a cap hit just over $6.1 million. Considering he is likely worth about $1.5 million based on his play so far in his career, it could be considered a bit of an overpayment.
That is what will make this difficult for the Montreal Canadiens and their general manager Marc Bergevin. Of course they want to keep a 21 year old who has the potential to turn into a very good NHL player. You just don’t give up on 21 year old players for no reason.
The offer sheet is a pretty big reason thought. The Finnish centre is coming off a season where he scored five goals in 56 games. Handing him an enormous raise would be a huge risk. Many Habs fans were already growing impatient with Kotkaniemi’s glacial paced development. If he returns next season with a cap hit eight times larger than last season’s, expectations are going to be through the roof.
The Canadiens have the right to just match the offer sheet and keep Kotkaniemi for next season at a $6.1 million cap hit. After going on a run to the Stanley Cup Final and losing Phillip Danault, it would really weaken their centre depth if they also allowed Kotkaniemi to leave.
There is some pressure on the team to do well after having young players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield lead the way offensively in the playoffs while also having an aging veteran in goal with Carey Price. Can the Habs afford to just let Kotkaniemi go and still try to compete?
Well yes. But they would have to replace his minutes and role somehow. How, you might ask? Well, let’s take a look at all of their possibilities.