HABSLATEST | NHL TEAM | CAROLINA HURRICANES

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Drops a Bombshell: The Real Reason He Left the Canadiens Has Been Revealed

Following the Carolina Hurricanes' 6-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, Jesperi Kotkaniemi commented on his time in Montreal during the post-game press conference.

The former third overall pick of the Canadiens shared that it was the first time, since the beginning of his career, that his grandparents had attended one of his NHL games in person.

He revealed that his grandparents were supposed to see him play for the first time in 2020 when he was with the Tricolore, but a decision by the management had thwarted these plans.

"It was good. My grandparents traveled the night before [Monday]. When they had come to Montreal, I had been sent down to the minor leagues that very day. That's what Montreal had decided. So, they had never seen me play in the National League. I feel good now and here.", Kotkaniemi, via The Hockey News magazine.

The Canes' number 82 still seems affected by the treatment he received in Montreal during the Marc Bergevin era, as highlighted in an article by TVA Sports.

"Three years earlier, when he was part of the Montreal Canadiens' roster, the Finn believed he could showcase his skills under the watchful eye of his relatives for a regular season game. However, the Tricolore organization dashed his plans by demoting him to the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League." - Via TVA Sports

Such timing could have had a considerable impact, both on the relationship between the CH and Kotkaniemi and on the latter's performances at the time.

Although things were not easy for KK at the time, a happy situation like this might have boosted his confidence and rejuvenated his performances. Indeed, this materialized yesterday as he ended a 10-game goal drought, scoring an important goal in the second period.

Previously on habslatest

Tomorrow Night's Starter Confirmed: Martin St. Louis Has Made a Surprising Decision

Major Announcement From the Kraken Regarding Shane Wright: His Fate is Confirmed

BREAKING: Recent Second Overall Pick Officially Retires for Health Reasons

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