Former Hab Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Patrik Laine involved in trade?

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David St-Jean
June 23, 2024 (4:19 PM)

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Photo credit: Screenshot Canva

Given Jesperi Kotkaniemi's development, no one is disappointed he's no longer in Montreal, unlike Patrik Laine, who could be interesting.

The problem with Laine is that he doesn't really fit with the Canadiens' philosophy, being a less hardworking player.

At $8.7 million for another two years and seeking a fresh start, he is clearly a problem for the Blue Jackets. Similarly, Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a problem for the Hurricanes, as he has not delivered the goods.

A Trade Between Laine and Kotkaniemi?
This is what Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report has proposed. According to him, several teams would be interested in Laine, but this proposal makes a lot of sense: one problem for another.

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"Carolina has to pay $3.9 million of Evgeny Kuznetsov's contract for this season, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi counts $4.8 million against the cap for six more seasons.

Kuznetsov is a key piece that could allow Columbus to make significant cap savings over the next two seasons.

Kotkaniemi is a good two-way player, but his offensive game hasn't really fully developed. Does Carolina really want that contract to be valid for another six years? Maybe not. He could also be an interesting addition to a Columbus team that really needs a two-way presence in its lineup. Both teams would get the type of player they could really use." - Adam Gretz

Personally, I think it makes sense, but the big problem is that the new GM of the Jackets is also the former GM of the Canes, the one who signed Kotkaniemi for eight years.

He knows very well now that it was a mistake, but maybe he still believes in him.

Previously on All Habs

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Major development on Sergei Bobrovsky's injury: the details

POLL
23 JUIN \| 651 ANSWERS Former Hab Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Patrik Laine involved in trade? Do you still believe that Jesperi Kotkaniemi can bounce back and become a top 6 player?
Yes	120	18.4 %
No	531	81.6 %
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