HOCKEY OTB | NHL TEAM | CAROLINA HURRICANES

Former 3rd overall pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi set to be terminated at 23

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James Connelly
May 22, 2024 (4:51 PM)

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Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Photo credit: Sportsnet

Since being drafted 3rd overall in 2018 by the Montreal Canadiens, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has had quite a tumultuous NHL career and may be hitting rock bottom as there are buyout rumors.

The Carolina Hurricanes may have shot themselves in the foot when they signed Jesperi Kotkaniemi to an offer sheet in 2022. Since then, the former third-overall pick has played in three seasons with the Hurricanes and has been underwhelming.

After scoring 43 points in 2022-23, Kotkaniemi took a step back and scored only 27 points in 2023-24. Now, he is linked to a potential buyout and may wind up needing to find his third NHL team at only 23.

If the Hurricanes decide to buy Kotkaniemi out, they would only need to pay him $8 million over a decade and would save $20 million.

With Friedman believing the Hurricanes will buy out Kotkaniemi, his days in Carolina are likely numbered and he will need to find a new team.

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Steven Stamkos closer than ever to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning

POLL
22 MAI \| 252 ANSWERS Former 3rd overall pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi set to be terminated at 23 Should the Carolina Hurricanes buy Jesperi Kotkaniemi out?
Yes	192	76.2 %
No	60	23.8 %
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