Kotkaniemi's decline raises concerns for Hurricanes

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was once a promising prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes, is now a regular healthy scratch, currently sitting as the 14th forward on the team. This decline is notable considering he was signed to an offer sheet worth $6.1 million by Carolina after being selected third overall by Montreal in the NHL Entry Draft.

During his first season with the Hurricanes, he played in 66 games, scoring 12 goals and 17 assists, which led to a long-term contract worth over $4.8 million per year in March 2022. His production peaked in the following season with 18 goals and 25 assists, but has since dropped significantly, with only 12 goals and 33 points in the 2025 season.

Kotkaniemi's ice time has also decreased to a career-low average of 10:50 per game, and he has only 2 goals and 7 assists in 36 games this season. Despite his physicality, with 105 hits in 2023 and a career total of 359 hits, his overall performance has not met expectations.

Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour expressed support for Kotkaniemi, stating, 'Hey, we're going to need you, Buddy,' but the player has not seen game time since March 4th. There is speculation about whether he fits into Brind'Amour's system and whether the coaching staff bears some responsibility for his regression.

With the trade deadline passing without any moves involving Kotkaniemi, it raises questions about his future with the team amidst concerns over wasted cap space and potential trade value.