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Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Born:July 6, 2000Draft:2018 Canadiens #3 Overall
Hometown:Pori, FinlandPosition:Centre
Known For:Shoots:Left
National Team:FinlandCurrent Team:Carolina Hurricanes

Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈjesperi ˈkotkɑnie̯mi]; born 6 July 2000) is a Finnish professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed “KK” by Canadiens fans, he was drafted third overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

In October 2018, he became the first player born in the 2000s to play in one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada, when he appeared on the Canadiens opening night roster.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Carolina Hurricanes
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Statistics

Deeper Dive

Achievements

  • U18 World Junior Championship (WJC) Top 3 Player on Team Finland (2018)
  • U18 WJC gold medal with Team Finland (2018)
  • U17 WJC silver medal with Team Finland (2017)
  • U20 SM-liiga silver medal (2017)

Sources