Jesperi Kotkaniemi Trash Talks Habs and the Montreal Media

Published April 4, 2023 at 9:07
BY JULIEN TREKKER

The 3rd overall pick at the 2018 draft Jesperi Kotkaniemi is enjoying the fresh air of Carolina, where he seems to finally become the player the Habs wanted him to be. Since December 20th, KK has tallied 29 points in 44 games.


The young Finn needed that change of scenery after his rough start in the Montreal market.

The change combined with the experience he acquired with the Canes gave him the maturity to have success in this league.


But he got in his old ways during a recent interview.

Kotkaniemi Trash Talks Habs and Montreal Medias



image

It's not surprising that he still has some resentment about the way he was brought to the NHL by Montreal.

Reflecting on his early career, Kotkaniemi himself has admitted that he may have benefited more from returning to Finland rather than joining the NHL shortly after being picked third overall in the draft. One can't help but wonder if a different approach might have yielded better results for the young player.

In a recent interview, the 22 year-old talked about the differences between Montreal and Carolina, throwing a little jab at the Habs at the same time.

«The media is really big in Montreal, and it can get in your head really fast if you read all that stuff.»

«Here in Carolina, the life is so much easier. You don't really stress about anything. Great teammates. Great staff. The media is not bad. It's really a stress-free life here.»

«I'm kind of starting to find my way in this league,» Kotkaniemi said.

- Jesperi Kotkaniemi


Kotkaniemi still has a lot to prove in the NHL but he seems determined to show the world what he's capable of.

As seen on Hockey Feed - Grateful to get out of Montreal, Kotkaniemi talks smack about Habs and Quebec media
POLL
April 4   |   82 answers
Jesperi Kotkaniemi Trash Talks Habs and the Montreal Media

Who do you prefer?

Kotkaniemi5364.6 %
Puljujarvi2935.4 %
LIST OF POLL
Latest 10 stories