Carolina Hurricanes
Something Is Shifting Trade-Wise for Jesperi Kotkaniemi in Carolina
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s name is picking up steam around the NHL as Carolina weighs its options. One insider thinks something may be coming.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, one name to keep a close eye on is Carolina’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Already the subject of trade rumors in connection to a failed Phillip Danault trade, and the Hurricanes’ chase to land Quinn Hughes out of Vancouver.
The NHL insider writes, “word around the NHL is the Hurricanes recognize he needs a fresh start.”
Friedman explains that missing out on Finland’s Olympic team was a tough blow, and around the league, there’s a sense the Hurricanes believe he could benefit from a change of scenery. Multiple sources say Carolina is actively listening to offers.
The Hurricanes are in win-now mode, so any deal has to help them immediately—or bring back an asset that can quickly be flipped into help now. That’s the bar to get something done.
Context matters here. Alexander Wennberg, 31, just landed a three-year contract at $18 million. Christian Dvorak, who turns 30 soon, signed a five-year, $25.75 million contract. Quality centers are scarce, and both carry higher AAVs than Kotkaniemi, who turns 26 in July and has four years left at a manageable $4.82 million.
There’s real interest out there. Now it’s about whether the right fit—and the right return—materializes.
Next: How Does the Oilers’ Tristan Jarry Trade Look Now?
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