Originally drafted in 2018, Jesperi Kotkaniemi was once seen as a prospect who could eventually become a first-line center. Six years later and with six years of NHL hockey under his belt, it looks like Kotkaniemi will likely never reach that level but he still looks to be a quality piece for many years to come.
Coming off of a down year, Kotkaniemi could be hitting the trade market this upcoming summer as the Hurricanes have been rumored to be looking for a new home for him. The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly among the teams interested in his services.
With Elias Pettersson and JT Miller locked down as their first-line center and Elias Lindholm potentially being resigned as their second-line center, Kotkaniemi would slot in as the Canucks third line center if Lindholm resigned but if not Kotkaniemi could be the Canucks second line center.
