Invited on BPM Sports, Claude Julien revealed why the forward never reached his full potential. It's not the organization's problem, but the player's. If he doesn't listen to the advice of his coaches, it's understandable that he has difficulty developing.
Recall that Kotkaniemi made the jump to the NHL at just 18 years old. It is understandable that the former Canadiens player may have lacked maturity when he arrived in the National League. However, he still doesn't seem to have become the offensive forward he was hoping to be at the age of 22.
Now, it may have been a simple matter of maturity. KK arrived extremely early in the NHL, perhaps even too early. He should have spent one, or even two additional seasons in Europe or in the American League, to develop at his own pace away from the spotlight.
On that point, it was a mistake by the organization. But by the age of 20, he should have been able to understand a little more, which did not seem to be the case. Let's be clear, Jesperi Kotkaniemi is not a bad hockey player, on the contrary. He has all the necessary attributes to become excellent. But he doesn't seem to be able to put it all together to make it click. That was the case in Montreal and now it's the case in Carolina. And time is beginning to run out for him. If he wants to become a true top 6 forward, he will have to make it click.
