Rod Brind'Amour Calls Out Kotkaniemi's Poor Playoff Performance, Future With Hurricanes in Serious Doubt
Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
The Carolina Hurricanes forward, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who serves as the team's second-line center, is once again having a very rough playoff run.
He was scratched by head coach Rod Brind'Amour for Game 2, and probably should have been scratched again last night.
At a press conference, Brind'Amour, who usually defends his players vigorously in front of reporters, opened up for a rare moment about Kotkaniemi.
"We need to see more from Kotkaniemi if he wants to play an important role for us."
- Rod Brind'Amour
- Rod Brind'Amour
The discouragement in his tone said a lot.
"We need to see more from him if he wants to play a key role for us," emphasized the coach, who didn't have much else to say.
"Even if he's not scoring, he needs to have more of an impact. He has a good frame and he needs to use it more."
"Even if he's not scoring, he needs to have more of an impact. He has a good frame and he needs to use it more."
It's understandable that patience is starting to wear thin.
It Smells Like the End for Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the Carolina Hurricanes
This organization will eventually have to face the obvious. Unfortunately for them, this is an acquisition that simply hasn't worked out.
As for the player, here was his response:
"This isn't the time to get into details during the playoffs," replied Kotkaniemi.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, 24, tallied 33 points in 78 regular season games this year, and has only 4 points in 12 playoff games (no goals).
He earns $4.82 million per year through 2030. This will definitely be an interesting situation to follow this summer.
Previously on HabsFanatics
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MAI 25 | 3159 ANSWERS Rod Brind'Amour Calls Out Kotkaniemi's Poor Playoff Performance, Future With Hurricanes in Serious Doubt Do you think the Hurricanes should buy out Jesperi Kotkaniemi's hefty contract? | ||
| Yes | 2545 | 80.6 % |
| No | 614 | 19.4 % |
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