Kotkaniemi trade talks remain ongoing — The Fourth Period
The Carolina Hurricanes continue to shop forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Canes GM Eric Tulsky remains engaged in trade talks with multiple clubs.
TFP’s David Pagnotta first reported ahead of the holiday roster freeze last month that the Hurricanes have been dangling Kotkaniemi as trade bait and offered him in a deal for Phil Danault before the Los Angeles Kings traded him to the Montreal Canadiens.
On Friday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman echoed Pagnotta’s report, stating the “word around the NHL is the Hurricanes recognize he needs a fresh start.”
Kotkaniemi, 25, is in the fourth season of an eight-year, $38.56 million contract.
The Hurricanes have been looking to upgrade their roster while also shopping Kotkaniemi. It’s unclear if the club is closing in on a move to include Kotkaniemi in a package to bolster their lineup. The Winnipeg Jets are one of the teams reportedly tied to the native of Pori, Finland.
Both Friedman and Pagnotta have reported that there is interest in Kotkaniemi, though it is also unclear if a move is imminent. Friedman also reported the Canes offered up Kotkaniemi in a package for Quinn Hughes, before the Vancouver Canucks dealt him to the Minnesota Wild.
In 25 games with the Hurricanes so far this season, Kotkaniemi has collected two goals and four assists for six points.
