A direct message from the head coach to Jesperi Kotkaniemi – only one condition for the lineup
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s path to the Carolina Hurricanes’ active roster has been blocked since practically the end of last season’s regular season.
The 26-year-old, who watched the championship-ending playoffs from the stands, played his first official NHL game since mid-April over the weekend, as the Porilainen forward was elevated to the active roster after two losses.
Instead of the familiar center position, the man’s playing position was found on the wing of the fourth line.
According to head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Finnish player’s position will continue to be on the wing, as long as he fits into the active roster.
– We know he is a center, but we have four guys who are solid in those spots. So he has to move to the wing to get playing time. Everyone has to do their part, whatever we ask, Brind’Amour said in an interview with the NHL’s official website.
The center depth of Carolina is outstanding. The centers in the first three regular season games have been Sebastian Aho, Logan Stankoven, Jordan Staal, and Mark Jankowski.
Kotkaniemi’s drop to a rotational player happened last season when the forward, enjoying a hefty annual salary of $4.82 million, only made it into the lineup for 42 regular season games. In those, he recorded modest stats of 2+7=9.
Brind’Amour gives Kotkaniemi credit for not letting the difficult situation affect his work ethic.
– He has always had a great attitude. The situation is not easy, as everyone wants to play. But we have a good group of both forwards and defenders. We have a deep team. You just have to try to influence the things you can control. When you get the opportunity, you have to make the most of it, Brind’Amour stated.
With 11.19 minutes played in the victorious game against the Philadelphia Flyers on the fourth line, Kotkaniemi seems to be maintaining his place in the active roster for his team’s next game. Carolina will face the Montreal Canadiens, the former team of the Porilainen, in the early hours of Wednesday.
Kotkaniemi practiced on the fourth line of the Hurricanes on Monday.
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