After a solid start to the season for KK, many said that the Habs made a monumental mistake in letting him go and that he was finally developing into a dominant NHL center player.
Not so fast.
After amassing 13 points in his first 14 games, Kotkaniemi has indeed been in a major slump for a while now.
The former Canadien player has scored only 3 points in his last 20 games, and the Carolina coaching staff has significantly reduced his role. Ouch.
In particular, his precious power play time is over. This is a big decision by head coach Rod Brind'Amour.
Kotkaniemi has gone from the 1st power play wave to the 2nd power play wave to no power play at all.
His playing minutes are also plummeting.
This decline is striking, to say the least.
Kotkaniemi's confidence seems to be fragile and is currently being severely tested, especially with the recent announcement from the Canes, who have replaced him on the five-man attack.
Credit:
Credit: Rumeursdetransaction.com
POLL | ||
28 DECEMBRE | 781 ANSWERS The Hurricanes have just made a sad announcement regarding Jesperi Kotkaniemi and it is officially over for him on the power play Which one would you take first in your club? | ||
Kotkaniemi | 115 | 14.7 % |
Newhook | 666 | 85.3 % |
List of polls |