I really think Canadiens made smart call here. I saw dozens of games from Kotkaniemi last season and here is something i want tell you. I also want so say that i work as a hockey journalist here in Finland, so i think i have objective perspective:
- Kotkaniemi was just interesting name for big crowd before last season. Ässät tested him in a few preseason games and kid impressed coaching staff immediately.
- I remember watching Kotkaniemi's first game in Finnish elite league (Liiga) and he was just amazing. He made 1+1 in his first game and played fearless game. He wants to be the best player on the ice and he goes to the opponent's goal without fear.
- You have to know that is not easy to jump from junior hockey to Liiga games because step is so huge. It is only a few talented young players who have come and play effective game from day one in Liiga. We are talking about names like Mikael Granlund, Aleksander Barkov and of course Patrik Laine. Kotkaniemi hasn't yet been so flashing player like these other guys, but 29 points and 10 goals shows that he is very mature and skilled young man.
- I also think that it's his mental side that is very strong, which make him risk-free pick for Montreal. Kotkaniemi is going to play with Ässät next season and we all gonna see big steps from him.
Oh, and if you think what Kotkaniemi means, it's eagle cape
