You’re right it’s not a sprint but think about this. Kotkaniemi turned 18 in June and Zadina will turn 19 in November, there’s pretty much a year difference between the two players and the younger one looks much better and plays the more important position.
C/W Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Ässät, Liiga (2018, 3rd, MTL) Part II
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You’re right it’s not a sprint but think about this. Kotkaniemi turned 18 in June and Zadina will turn 19 in November, there’s pretty much a year difference between the two players and the younger one looks much better and plays the more important position.
this is zadina's billet - and she's a fab fan. she was upset he wasn't drafted by her fave team obviously
ah speculation, the ugly cousin of unfounded opinionI was and still am suspicious of Kotkaniemi's pick, political reasons could have played a role in the pick, and even in the decision to bring him into the NHL. Disclaimer: it's based on speculation and not on actually watching him play.
This is absolutely a huge step for him, and a ray of hope for Habs fans. I am very curious and I am looking forward to catching Habs games to take a look.
Pavels Dog
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There is about a 7 month difference. Zadina hasn't been bad. Getting better each game pretty much and has as many points as Kotkaniemi. Making any snap judgement this early is silly. Kotka could be sent down after 9 games and Zadina (if he starts in AHL) called up after 10 games and never looks back.
NekkiChiconey
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I don't see how keeping him for 9 games is a bad decision. He was able to at least challenge Matthews/Tavares in the last game, now he will see what it's like to play regular games vs. Crosby, Malkin, Kopitar... the worst that can happen (except an injury) is that he's not ready to go up against these guys, but he'll learn what he needs to work on. If he's still impressive, keep him and send him to the WJC in December.
I agree and I hope Kotka goes back to Finland after the 9 games but I think it’s safe to say the pick wasn’t a reach at all for the Habs.
Scuba-Steve
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8 months since KK is born in July and not in June and after seeing Kotka play, as much as I like Zadina, I don't think he will never come close to being as valuable to a hockey team as Kotkaniemi. And that's not a knock against Zadina, I just believe Kotkaniemi is that good.
Sens of Anarchy
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Sens of Anarchy
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Scuba-Steve
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No, a team can return a young player to his team (junior, europe, ect.) anytime. It's just that past the 9 games, the 1st year of his ELC kicks in. That's why the 9 games are kind of a deadline.
Kotka has impressed
habs are one of the worst teams on paper if not the worst right now
there is a desperation on habs for any sign of good news
any food looks gourmet when your starving
habs are one of the worst teams on paper if not the worst right now
there is a desperation on habs for any sign of good news
any food looks gourmet when your starving
Scuba-Steve
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Watch the kid play you'll understand. When the coach says in the media that he can't find weakness in the kids game it says a lot.
Kudo Shinichi
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It’s the same thing that happened with Mete last year and Sergachev the year before aka it’s normal.
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Sens of Anarchy
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Sens of Anarchy
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I have to wonder if he looks good because the rest of the roster looks bad or if he actually is ready. I think there are similar things going on in Edmonton with Bouchard and McLeod. Don't confuse being NHL ready with being better than the older alternatives. Just because they are looking better than your vet alternatives doesn't mean they are ready for the NHL full time.
Montreal is rebuilding there is zero need to rush a kid to the NHL. Sure give him a few games but if he isn't playing well he should be sent down. And by well I don't just mean treading water. A top pick is NHL ready when they are competing and putting up points, not just weathering the storm.
Montreal is rebuilding there is zero need to rush a kid to the NHL. Sure give him a few games but if he isn't playing well he should be sent down. And by well I don't just mean treading water. A top pick is NHL ready when they are competing and putting up points, not just weathering the storm.
Scuba-Steve
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I can't tell for sure but saying he's the best center on the Habs right now isn't exactly a vote of confidence.
Scuba-Steve
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He's the best center in Montreal because Montreal does not have any center better than him. It doesn't affect the fact that the kid is really good.
The Great Weal
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I don't think giving him a few games will hurt. But if he is simply treading water after 9 games there is zero reason to keep him up.
DramaticGloveSave
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Danault is a legit middle 6 NHL center. If Kotkaniemi is better than him, that’s pretty significant.
Scuba-Steve
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On most playoff teams he'd be in the 3rd or 4th line range for ice time likely.
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