Kotkaniemi making the Habs make some decisions

Jesperi Kotkaniemi continues to make life difficult for the Montreal Canadiens — in a good way.

The rookie centre put up another solid performance in his bid to make the team as the Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 in Monday’s pre-season tilt that featured little in the way of established NHL-level talent.

The No. 3 pick at June’s NHL draft had an assist on the Canadiens’ first goal, created a screen on their third and was solid at both ends of the ice, finishing with a plus-3 rating and an even-strength shot differential of 52 per cent at 5 on 5.

No bad for a player that only turned 18 on July 6.

“Jesperi’s been good,” Montreal head coach Claude Julien said. “He’s gotten better everyday.

“We’re really pleased with his training camp so far.”

Playing in a team-high fourth game of the exhibition schedule, Kotkaniemi could make Montreal’s roster for opening night, get sent to the American Hockey League or be returned to his native Finland for more grooming with his hometown team.

“We have some big decisions,” Julien added. “There’s no doubt we need to have a really good look.”

The soft-spoken Kotkaniemi only smiled when asked if he was aware that his play was making the decision a tough one.

“I’m just trying to do my best everyday,” said the native of Pori, who now has a goal and an assist in pre-season. “My goal is to make the team. I’m trying to get there.”

Xavier Ouellet and Artturi Lehkonen each scored twice for Montreal, while Charles Hudon had the other goal for the visitors.

Antti Niemi made 29 stops for the Canadiens, who picked up their fourth victory in five pre-season outings. Joel Armia added two assists.