Kotkaniemi provides defence from centre position
Forward played well in Finland against adults
In the weeks leading up to the NHL Entry Draft June 22-23 in Dallas, we’re taking a look at players who might be selected by the Montreal Canadiens. The team has five selections in the first two rounds, including the No. 3 overall pick.
JESPERI KOTKANIEMI, CENTRE
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 6 among European skaters What the scouts are saying: Kotkaniemi’s stock went up after he helped Finland win the gold medal at the world under-18 championship, but it wasn’t a surprise to those who followed his play against grown men with Assat Pori in the SM-Liiga, Finland’s top pro league. As a 17-year-old, he scored 10 goals and added 19 assists in 57 games. He played a key role on both special-teams units, took key faceoffs and impressed scouts with his playmaking and quick release on his shot. He is a decent skater, although there are questions about his first step. He protects the puck well and isn’t shy about going into traffic. He also has shown a willingness to stand in front of the net. He needs to get stronger, but that’s the case with most players in the draft. Why the Canadiens would be interested: Kotkaniemi may not be the best player available at No. 3, but he may be the best centre available if the Canadiens decide to draft for need. And Kotkaniemi would give Montreal something that has been missing in their experience with Alex Galchenyuk and Jonathan Drouin — a recognition that defence is an important part of a centre’s responsibility. One drawback is that Kotkaniemi remains under contract to Assat Pori, but that’s something that can be sorted out if the Canadiens want him.
In good company: Kotkaniemi averaged .51 points per game with Assat Pori and that compares favourably with other Finnish players prior to making the jump to the NHL. Winnipeg’s Patrick Laine had 14 goals and 16 assists in 46 games in his draft year. Jesse Puljujarvi had 28 points in 50 games before he was drafted fourth overall by Edmonton. In his first full season playing against grown-ups, the Canadiens’ Artturi Lehkonen had 30 points in 45 games.