Team: 2021-22 Carolina Hurricanes

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 29, 2021

Published: Aug. 29, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Before you read this, I am a Habs fan, and I want MTL to match because I don't believe a late first and a 3rd is enough of a compensaation for KK.

Yes, this contract is a massive overpay as of right now. That being said, Carolina is a a place that Kotkaniemi could easily have success.

You start the season with KK in a position to succeed. Something he's never gotten in MTL. He can play wing effectively. Play that all Finish line. Kotkaniemi is an amazing playmaker. Give him the chance to feed Aho and Teuvo all season and he'll get you 40+ points. He's also a big body who's reliable in the defensive zone and he'll be a great support player for those two finish studs.

Also, this team is looking quite stacked in my opinion. Forward core might be the deepest in the NHL. They're primed for a deep playoff run this year with guys like Aho, Svech, Teuvo, Necas and even KK all getting better. They've all proven to perform well in the playoffs on top of that besides their young age. Jarvis could add some some serious skill and speed to that 3rd line. D core is solid and Deangelo can handle the PP duties left behind by Hamilton.

All that to say, good luck to KK in Carolina. He'll be missed in MTL, and I'm 100% sure he's going to have a great career, especially with the hurricanes who have a bright future ahead. He's got all the tools to succeed, he's just lacking confidence mostly due to the poor poor management in MTL. Kinda sad tbh.

side note: I added Gardiner to LTIR just to clear cap. They'll have to make minor cap tweaks for KK.