Kotkaniemi's hefty contract in Carolina opens the door for Kent Hughes and the Habs

It has now been officially confirmed earlier this week, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has signed a significant eight season contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes (total value of 38.56 million).

This pact will have important impacts on the Hurricanes' future decisions, especially concerning their center players.

With Sebastian Aho and Kotkaniemi signed long-term, plus Jordan Staal, who is the captain and has one year left on his contract after this season, it doesn't leave room at center for Vincent Trocheck, who will be free as a bird at the end of this campaign.

The 28-year-old forward will finish a six-year contract worth $4.75 million per season. With very respectable statistics, including 228 points in 303 games during this period, as well as being responsible for 200 feet, we can bet that he will ask for a higher salary this summer, which could have helped in the Canes' decision to sign KK for the very long term.


Stephane Waite said on RDS earlier this week that Trocheck would be a very good acquisition for the Tricolore. It remains to be seen if Kent Hughes will be able to lure him here while giving him the right value. One thing is for sure, with the new contract given to KK, Trocheck will be available very soon and it could open an interesting door for Kent Hughes, if he wants to bring back a player from the powerful Hurricanes.

He would be a solid second center, behind Nick Suzuki, and his contract could be reasonable.

One thing is for sure, it gives the Tricolore an excellent additional option. Trocheck will be free as a bird in a few months