Ben Shelley: Where could Jesperi Kotkaniemi fit in the Hurricanes’ lineup?

That is the problem with KK and this offer sheet.....he is not good enough to take a centre position, (maybe 4th line, but the cost) and now you push him to the wing.....

Carolina has done Montreal a huge favor......

That is the problem with KK and this offer sheet.....he is not good enough to take a centre position, (maybe 4th line, but the cost) and now you push him to the wing.....

Carolina has done Montreal a huge favor......
- Frozendisc

I don't know that they did Mtl a favor, but they certainly didn't do themselves any favors. It is an odd offer sheet for sure.

To me it’s pretty obvious he’s going to play wing with Trochek and Necas. Which I am very very okay with. Canes don’t need him to be a Center right now, they just need to actually help his game develop and grow. Something Montreal has a long, terrible track record with in regards to young players.

I don't know that they did Mtl a favor, but they certainly didn't do themselves any favors. It is an odd offer sheet for sure.
- Beergu

I think the favor comes in the form of taking the pressure off of Bergevin on getting a contract signed. 6.1 mil/yr is ridiculous for a player that is still all about potential. Take the picks, move on seems like the best path.

The risk and reward for signing KK is debatable. I personally like the prospect of him developing and becoming a top six forward with the Canes'. Under RB, and away from the MTL microscope I feel he has a really good chance to blossom in CAR. At 21 they sky is still the limit, and solid centers do not grow on trees. Its a risky bet, worth rolling the dice !

Still have a hard time calling this "revenge". Revenge would have been waiting until Suzuki or Caufield are RFA then slamming the Habs with a tougher cap hit to absorb in the event of a match.

RBA values puck possession and likes to have multiple players on the ice who can hold their own on draws. I am sure that KK will see his fair share of draws even as a wing player. It will not hinder his development much as a center playing in RBA's system on a wing.