Jesperi Kotkaniemi created significant tensions within the Montreal Canadiens organization, in particular by speaking behind the backs of the Montreal media.
The Finnish media, which initially supported Kotkaniemi in his criticism of the Montreal Canadiens, changed their tone. They now harshly criticize him, calling him a “spoiled baby”, a “mama’s boy” and a “selfish” gambler.
Kotkaniemi is accused of not fully committing during training and matches. The media in his country realize that the problem comes from KK himself, even though he experienced the same problems in Carolina.
Even Joel Armia distanced himself from the man he considered a little brother. Armia wants to stay away from criticism related to KK’s attitude and his behavior off the ice which is nauseating.
Recall that Armia had advised Kotkaniemi not to speak to Montreal journalists and often criticized the Quebec media, calling them the “worst” in the NHL.
Armia also tended to avoid team activities and practices, which earned him criticism. But Armia has improved as a human being, unlike Kotkaniemi.
The Canadiens’ coach, Martin St-Louis, took the initiative of calling Armia in Finland last summer to tell him to stop his criticism of the Quebec media and to focus on his integration into the locker room and his form. physical.
St. Louis reminded Armia that he is still part of the team’s plans, despite the trade rumors. He stressed the importance of Armia becoming a respected member of the team and speaking to journalists, behaving like a professional.
Armia then became a better person. While Kotkaniemi continued to follow the path of the temperamental and selfish diva.
The attitude and behavior of players, both on and off the ice, are essential to team harmony and performance.
Martin St-Louis seems determined to establish a culture of respect and professionalism within the Montreal Canadiens, ensuring that all players adhere to these principles.
This did Armia a lot of good. Sometimes we say to ourselves that St-Louis could have worked miracles with Kotkaniemi. Meanwhile in Carolina, the Hurricanes are doing everything they can to trade Kotkaniemi for an unwanted contract. If they don’t succeed, they will be forced to buy the Finn.
It appears the Carolina Hurricanes are willing to send Jesperi Kotkaniemi back to Montreal in exchange for Josh Anderson.
This proposed transaction would aim to exchange one unwanted contract for another. Indeed, Kotkaniemi’s contract, which amounts to $4.82 million per year, ends in 2030, while that of Josh Anderson, at $5.5 million per year, ends in 2027.
Martin St-Louis might just jump at this opportunity, given that he isn’t able to see Anderson in the paint.
The latter, despite his speed and physical play, failed to live up to St-Louis’ expectations. The Canadiens coach seems to be increasingly frustrated by Anderson’s inconsistent performances and would probably be happy to get rid of this burden.
For Montreal, this trade could offer a sort of “reset” with Kotkaniemi, despite his past problems. Even though the young Finnish center has had his ups and downs, he remains a player with quo potential still present, and perhaps a return to Montreal, with lower expectations and a new chance under St-Louis , could revive his career.
For their part, the Hurricanes would seek to strengthen their physical presence with Josh Anderson, while reducing their long-term payroll.
Anderson could bring an extra dimension to their attack, and his contract, while expensive, ends three years earlier than Kotkaniemi’s, providing more financial flexibility in the medium term.
Such a trade could well be in the best interests of both teams, and it would not be surprising to see St. Louis support this move, in the hopes of restructuring the team and getting rid of a player it does not can no longer see in painting.
It’s nice to dream, but it’s hard to see KK coming back to Montreal. After all, he talked so much about the organization. At some point, you have to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions…and your words…
Kotkaniemi deserves to be bought out. This is how he will learn from his mistakes. In the meantime, he is even abandoned in his own country.
Karma is sometimes so cruel…
