Another move for Jesperi Kotkaniemi with monster rumoured deal out of Carolina?!

When the Carolina Hurricanes went out of their ways to acquire forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi in a revenge move for the offer sheet made to Sebastian Aho by the Montreal Canadiens, they pay quite a bit for him.

Kotkaniemi is now on a contract worth 4.82 million per year until 2030 and is not meeting the Canes’ expectations when it comes to production.

To make things worse for Kotkaniemi is that Carolina has positioned itself in the Erik Karlsson sweepstakes, hoping to land the Norris Trophy winning defenseman off the trade market. Therefore, Kotkaniemi would be linked to the San Jose Sharks in a blockbuster move that could take place this season.

According to Kevin Dupont, Kotkaniemi would be part the Hurricanes’ offer when it comes acquiring Karlsson from San Jose.

“One of those forwards, perhaps Jesperi Kotkaniemi, likely would have to be wheeled to the Sharks. The Hurricanes also might have to surrender a 20-something D-man, be it Brett Pesce or Brady Skjei. The final look of the package would be shaped by just how much of Karlsson’s dough Grier is willing to retain.”

The Hurricanes are reportedly competing against the Pittsburgh Penguins for Karlsson’s services, though it’s been said that GM Mike Grier’s price remains too high.

Another former Hab, like Kotkaniemi, is linked to San Jose out of Pittsburgh with defenseman Jeff Petry’s name coming up in rumours.

It remains to be seen not only if the Canes will win the Karlsson sweepstakes, but also if Kotkaniemi will be one of the pieces moved out of Raleigh…

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