For the first time since being drafted third overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2018, forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi has been sent to the minors. The Habs made the announcement Saturday.
After a very good rookie season in which he recorded 34 points in 79 games (11 goals, 23 assists), the 19-year-old has struggled to find his offensive game this year. He has just six goals and two assists in 36 games. He missed some time earlier this season due to an injury, but simply hasn't looked like the same player as he did in 2018-19.
Kotkaniemi played in the men's league in Finland before being drafted. However, this will be his first stint in the AHL. With the Habs eight points out of a playoff spot at the moment, the team seems to be ensuring their younger players are getting minutes. Rookie Cale Fleury was also sent to Laval this week after spending the entire season up to that point in the NHL.
Kotkaniemi was a healthy scratch for the Habs last game, which ended up being a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
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