Shocking Statement from Hurricanes' GM on Kotkaniemi
Don Waddell talked about Jesperi Kotkaniemi with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
Waddell, of course, remarked on KK's slow start.
"It's been an incredibly slow start to the season for Jesperi for a couple of reasons. First of all, we play a different style than his old team. We're trying to play fast and that takes some getting used to. Secondly, he started the season on the wing, so he had to get acclimated to a new position, as well as a new system of play. He was really out of position a lot in the beginning, so it wasn't right. We probably overlooked the impact it would have on his performance."
Waddell believes Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour knows the child a lot better today.
"Our head coach wasn't sure at first (what he had on hand), but Kotkaniemi is competitive. Rod likes it. It's gotten better in the last 10 games or so."
Having KK as a fourth center is a luxury for the organization.
"It's enviable depth for a team that hopes to win the Stanley Cup."
Finally, the killer question, does he regret the hostile offer?
"No, right now, not at all. Probably if you had asked me after 10 games, my answer would have been different, but now I don't." - Don Waddell
Credit: RDT
