I agree. Obviously, his dad being his coach and playing in a familiar environment while getting bigger minutes is way better than playing in meaningless games where his ice-time may be restricted. Also, as he'll only jut turn 18, he'll probably be better off emotionally and have the year to mentally prepare himself now that he knows what team he's playing for in North America.
Prospect Info: Welcome to Montréal, Jesperi Kotkaniemi (1st round pick, 3OA 2018 - signed ELC)
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I agree. Obviously, his dad being his coach and playing in a familiar environment while getting bigger minutes is way better than playing in meaningless games where his ice-time may be restricted. Also, as he'll only jut turn 18, he'll probably be better off emotionally and have the year to mentally prepare himself now that he knows what team he's playing for in North America.
BB88
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Porin Ässät
Assats pre season games start at the early August with the regular season starting mid September.
Important to keep in mind.
I read an article in the Gazette today where the author mentioned "the Habs shook up the draft positions by taking Kotkaniemi, who was ranked anywhere between 15 and 20"
Everytime I read something about Kotkaniemi and where he was drafted they add 5 positions to where he was ranked....
Everytime I read something about Kotkaniemi and where he was drafted they add 5 positions to where he was ranked....
CauZuki
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It's incredible that we picked someone 3rd overall that wasn't even projected as a 1st rounder...
It's incredible that we picked someone 3rd overall that wasn't even projected as a 1st rounder...
Next article I read will say he was ranked anywhere from 25 to 35
NobleSix
High Tech Low-Life.
Sounds like the same n00bs who I talk to in real life.
"Ouch, you must be pissed that the Habs f***ed up again and passed on Tkachuk for that random no name loser el oh el! Must suck being a Hab fan right now!"
1. Yes it sucks being a Hab fan.
2. No, Kotkaniemi isn't a no name random, he was ranked 5th overall in Mackenzie's final ranking. He's going to be an excellent center.
3. Tkachuk is shit, and I'm pumped that the Sens made the mistake of drafting the most overhyped player in the entire draft. Wouldn't have touched him with any top 10 pick.
The look on their face after they hear that is priceless.
+++ BREAKING +++ MONTREAL CUCKNADIENS DRAFT UNRANKED PLAYER 3RD OVERALL WOW!!!1!
JeffreyLFC
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Tkachuk would not have been a fail. Just not what we needed. It made total sense to get Kotkaniemi.
And from all accounts if we tried to get cute by trading down we would have been burn big time as Arizona most likely wanted him. We did the right thing.
"Sources tell me he was on the No Draft list of 30 NHL teams. I can't believe the Habs took him that early."
BB88
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I watched the sportsnets draft video and felt like they hadn't scouted him at all, just went on about the draft rankings.
TSN was so much better, glad Viaplay had them on.
JeffreyLFC
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It's not about drafting for needs. Its about drafting talent.
Kotkaniemi skillset is tailer made for the NHL.
He was most likely ranked top 10 on most NHL teams list.
Zadina was a great prospect but he is not the next Ovechkin. I'm not even sure if he is the next Ehlers (who was better in Halifax).
How many cups players like Toews/Kopitar have won in the past 10 years? You need top center to succeed and Kotkanieni like him or not as the same talent.
So Zadina is not the next best goal scorer of All time (arguably) so that means....pass? And Kotka is now the next Toews/Kopitar?
I remember people talking about how Galchenyuk was a next top line center too, and I was more impressed by Galch's talent than Kotka's.
I'm not knocking on Kotka. The guy is 17, maybe wait a bit before claiming it's a super awesome pick, the right one, and he's the next Top center to lead us to a Cup win.
cphabs
The 2 stooges….
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CauZuki
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Regardless of their Finnish nationality, I think his style compliments Lekhonen very well. Kotka is taller and a playmaker, while Lekhs is a pure shooter with 2way smarts and they both have decent wheels. Could be a nasty duo if they continue to improve and find chemistry together. Similar to how Galchenyuk and Scherbak looked to compliment eachother rather well...
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Sportsnet coverage and assessment is still annoying me today, direct quote from later in the round when they were summarizing, "...and Montreal with the Reach at 3...", they didn't even say his name and it really sounded like they were not informed of draft rankings at all and just had this narrow list from like November's rankings.It's incredible that we picked someone 3rd overall that wasn't even projected as a 1st rounder...
Also, no interview or review of the Habs pick, unlike almost EVERY other player drafted in the first round. Who the Leafs picked at 29 was bigger news featuring more coverage.
Oh well, Sportsnet is going to Sportsnet.
Razamanaz
Registered User
Can a duck walk?
So wrong question, bro'.
It's like asking if Hoffman's girlfriend is a bimbo ...
Remember; he's from the evil streets of Pori (Castle), Finland.
Pori; the town in Finland that always were on the frontline when Finland went to war - and that from 1600 and onwards.
The town (Pori) that has the most famous of Finland war forces hymns: Porilaisten Marssi (March of the Pori Regiment).
I'm not sayin' he's a big bad, bad boy ... but Kotka steamrolled a Czech-player into the boards in the U-18s' - that bad that he almost missed the first game of the play offs due to risk of suspension as he did get a match penalty due to his antics in the Czech game.
So can he (Kotka) fight?
Yes, sir he can ... he's a rather mean mutha for his young age.
Watch out Montreal - The Eagle has landed!
Razamanaz
Registered User
... and if ya Canadians wonder about the swastikas on the Finland tanks in the YouTube-clip: Finland were first with them (1918) - then Adolf H. ripped 'em.
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habsgirl5000
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CauZuki
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REPORTS ARE COMING IN THAT HE COULD BE AS OLD AS 25!!! His birth certificate has been requested and witnesses report seeing him exclaim excitement and taking things "day by day". We will report new information as events unfold...
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didimentionlarseller
Snipers are a dying bread in the NHL
It's incredible that we picked someone 3rd overall that wasn't even projected as a 1st rounder...
Habs shock world and select Finnish monster truck Gravedigger as their 3OA selection
Grate n Colorful Oz
The Hutson Hawk
le_sean
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Fantastic puck protection and hands. Really impressive in this game. Love his anticipation too, he has great hockey sense.
cphabs
The 2 stooges….
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I mean no disrespect by asking this question. But, were you the lady with the glasses at the draft?
If so, your avatar does not look like you.
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