Jesperi Kotkaniemi To Have Different Role With Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell has confirmed that Jesperi Kotkaniemi will begin the season on the left wing. With the Canadiens, he of course played center.

Don Waddell says Jesperi Kotkaniemi will start at left wing with the @Canes
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) September 5, 2021

When looking at the center depth the Hurricanes have, it ultimately makes sense. They have Sebastian Aho, Vincent Trocheck and Jordan Staal making up their first three lines. It would not make sense to play Kotkaniemi on the fourth-line, especially with them paying him $6.1 million for the season. Furthermore, it would not benefit his progression as an NHLer.

Kotkaniemi will likely be competing with Nino Niederreiter for a spot in the top-six. Based on how each of them played last season, it would not be surprising to see Niederreiter start the season there, though. In 56 games last season, Niederreiter scored 20 goals and recorded 34 points. Kotkaniemi, on the other hand, had five goals and 20 points in 56 games.

We will have to wait and see how Kotkaniemi responds to playing on the wing with his brand new team.