Sebastian Aho has high ambitions for Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Since his arrival with the Carolina Hurricanes, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has not had the desired effect with his new team. In eight games, the CH veteran has only two goals and one assist so far this year.
Despite this, head coach Rod Brind'Amour has kept him in the top-6 since the beginning of the year. In many games, "KK" formed an all-Finnish trio with Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen.
Aho has nothing but good things to say about his young compatriot. When asked by a reporter who will be the future Finnish star in the Bettman circuit, the number 20 did not seem to hesitate.
"Hopefully Kotkaniemi will be able to reach the next level in his game. I'm sure he has all the tools, but you know how it is, sometimes it takes time. He's still young and hopefully he'll have a good year."
It must be said that everything is running smoothly in Carolina. The 'Canes are still undefeated after eight games and are scoring more than four goals per game. Goaltender Frederik Andersen is simply on fire and the defense isn't even allowing two goals per game.
The contract the Hurricanes offered him for $6.1 million has certainly raised expectations for the 21-year-old.
Kotkaniemi has been struggling since his rookie year with the CH. A stint in Laval as well as several lethargies have certainly affected his confidence.
In short, let's hope for him that Sebastian Aho's words will come true and that "KK" will find his niche in Carolina!
