"Jesperi has shown us just how high his ceiling can be through his skill and work ethic, and that he is a great fit with our young core," said Waddell. "He is still just 21 years old, and we are confident his role in our organization will continue to expand in the years to come."
Kotkaniemi, 21, has tallied 23 points (11g, 12a) in 59 games with Carolina in 2021-22. His 11 goals are tied for his single-season career high, previously set over 79 games in 2018-19, and rank tied for sixth on the team. The 6'2", 201-pound forward was acquired from Montreal in the offseason when the Canadiens declined to match the NHL's first successful offer sheet since 2007. Kotkaniemi registered 62 points (22g, 40a) in 171 regular-season games with Montreal from 2018-21 and added 12 points (9g, 3a) in 29 playoff games with the team, including the overtime winner in Game 6 of the 2021 North Division First Round against Toronto. He also skated in 13 AHL games with Laval in 2019-20, recording 13 points (1g, 12a). The Pori, Finland, native earned 37 points (12g, 25a) in 67 Liiga games over two seasons with Assat and represented his home country at the 2017 and 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Championships, winning silver in 2017 and gold in 2018. Kotkaniemi was selected third overall by Montreal in the 2018 NHL Draft.
