Troubling information about Jesperi Kotkaniemi and the Canadiens

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David St-Jean
April 8, 2024 (4:35 PM)

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When Jesperi Kotkaniemi arrived with the Canadiens, a breath of fresh air swept in. However, there is troubling information that we as fans did not know.

It was Martin Leclerc who provided some unflattering information about the young man during a recent on-air appearance. The super cheerful Finn that everyone found so likable wasn't very diligent.

"He had a reputation for not being up to par... I was told something by a former member of the Canadiens coaching staff. When the pandemic hit at the end of the regular season schedule, someone asked him what he planned to do while waiting for the playoffs to resume a few months later, and he replied that he intended to go back home (to Finland) and play tennis. It took a meeting to explain to him that tennis wouldn't cut it and that he needed to train seriously for the playoffs."

- Martin Leclerc

So, it's understandable why his performances haven't improved with the Hurricanes. He's not very serious off the ice, we're told.

This season, he had 12 points in as many games to start the year. Unfortunately, it has since declined, with only 9 points in his last 52 outings. Ouch!

We still wish him the best to bounce back, but to do so, he'll need to start showing more seriousness in his work. If he still has the mentality of going back to Finland to play tennis instead of training during important times, he hasn't grasped the reality of NHL players.