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Jesperi Kotkaniemi didn’t want to learn when he was in Montreal

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated 3/26/24

Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s time in Montreal ended badly. The youngster signed a hostile offer from Carolina, who retaliated for Sebastian Aho’s offer, and left.

The club subsequently gave him a 1543-year contract at $763.45 million a year (don’t take my figures for cash) and let’s just say the Habs must not regret letting him go.

They should regret using the first pick they received in return to acquire Christian Dvorak… but that’s another matter.

All this to say that things didn’t end well for KK in Montreal. Clearly, the Habs are at fault, especially for bringing him to the NHL at the age of 18.

He’s still paying the price today…

(Credit: Hockey DB)

But the main interested party wasn’t snow white either. According to Renaud Lavoie on BPM Sports this morning, KK wasn’t doing everything he could to improve.

Ouch, you say?

I have a ton of examples of veterans who wanted to help him [in Montreal] and he refused help. – Renaud Lavoie on Jesperi Kotkaniemi

The journalist said this to contrast the fact that Juraj Slafkovsky isn’t cut from the same cloth: he’s hungry and wants his teammates or specialists to help him progress.

That’s not the same thing.

When a youngster wants to learn, it’s much easier for a group of coaches to give him the tools to do so. Whether it’s through veterans or through help like Dr. Shot, a hungry kid can progress – and that’s been evident with Slaf for several months now.

Meanwhile, in Carolina…

In gossip

– It’s now official for Trevor Zegras. He’ll be back in action tonight.

HE’Z BACK!

Trevor Zegras makes his return to the lineup tonight in Seattle. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/R8ZePTWl93

– Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 26, 2024

– Interesting.

Friday’s game in Laval will be offered for free on AHL TV. And yes, the French description option is available. https://t.co/8MAAYyPhtr

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) March 26, 2024

– He’s going to be good.

Demidov is something else. SKA juniors trailed 4-1 going into the third period. He scored twice to help send it to overtime, and then ended it with this beauty. He finished the game with four points. pic.twitter.com/Do7sYHcmvT

– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) March 26, 2024

– It’s a great challenge.

Is coaching the best player in the world @pou29 easy or hard?

@koricheverie ‘s answer: pic.twitter.com/71FDgoOBxM

– Christine Roger (@ChristineRoger) March 26, 2024

– To be continued.

I’m told a decision on the NHL Awards is expected to be made in roughly 1-2 weeks, at the earliest. https://t.co/TiuTrjqA5C

– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 26, 2024

– Let’s go!

TOMORROW, @passion_mlb and La Triple Menace join forces for the first episode of a big week of baseball!

We’ve got some great stuff in store for you, but we also want to hear from YOU: if you have any questions or predictions, we’ll open the Church Stoop tomorrow!

We look forward to hearing from you! pic.twitter.com/gJaNo9MuDQ

– Félix Forget (@FForget_LTM) March 26, 2024

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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