Big decision in Carolina: Jesperi Kotkaniemi's situation reversed and the fans reacted enormously

Since the beginning of the season, the Carolina Hurricanes have been stubbornly leaving Jesperi Kotkaniemi on their second line, even though he is not performing or producing.

They are really trying to justify the big contract they gave him.

Even though his linemates are having really great seasons, Kotkaniemi is finding ways to not produce.

Martin Necas has 17 points in 12 games.


Andrei Svechnikov has 14 points in 12 games.

Kotkaniemi, who has been their center since game one this season, has 3 points.

It's hard to explain, but these are numbers that speak volumes.

Even worse. Kotkaniemi, who is under contract with the Hurricanes until 2030 (at $4.82 million per season) has 5 points in his last 26 games. All this despite a very good deployment of his coach, who paired him with solid trio partners, to try to help him produce.

Huge trio changes.

Tonight, in the middle of the game, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour had enough and finally just demoted Kotkaniemi.


The former Montreal Canadiens' young player is now placed on the fourth line of his team. Do you think he will stay there for good?

Do you think the Hurricanes are starting to regret their hostile offer and the big contract signed with KK?

It's quite a turnaround tonight for Kotkaniemi, who goes from the second to the fourth line. Bad news for him.