Rod Brind’Amour’s Patience Runs Out as Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s NHL Struggles Reach Breaking Point

Mar 25, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) looks on against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Things are not improving for former Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canes, who were desperately searching for a second-line center, gave Kotkaniemi a hefty eight-year contract worth nearly \$5 million annually.

It’s a decision that is not aging very well.

The Hurricanes have literally done everything to try to help Kotkaniemi develop into a second-line center in the NHL, but it’s simply not working.

Rod Brind’Amour has given up on Jesperi Kotkaniemi

It was about time, some will say..

“Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour has lost patience and seems to have officially thrown in the towel.

According to journalist Chip Alexander, who covers the team’s activities on a daily basis, despite the urgent need for a second-line center in the organization, it will not be Kotkaniemi who inherits the role to start the season.”

Marco Normandin

Kotkaniemi, 25, was the third overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2018. He recorded 33 points in 78 games last season (12 goals), as well as 27 points in 79 games the season before.

Previously on HabsFanatics

POLL

1 HOUR AGO   |   240 ANSWERS

Rod Brind’Amour’s Patience Runs Out as Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s NHL Struggles Reach Breaking Point

Would you trade a 7th-round pick for Jesperi Kotkaniemi?

HABSFANATICS.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  –  POLICIES