The Development Of Jesperi Kotkaniemi Since Mid-Season
By Chris Baker
Jesperi Kotkaniemi has come a long way from a mid-season grade of C- to being the Carolina Hurricanes Player of the Week last month. At one point early in the season, there was talk about Kotkaniemi’s future in Carolina ranging from line changes, to it ending in a trade. The cards have, however, fallen in a different direction. Kotkaniemi has stepped up from sitting at home eating plain crackers, to a full time, cape wearing, big man. To show just how much he has improved after the mid-season mark, thus putting himself on track for a career season, we are going to dive deep in some numbers.
First take a look at Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s career best numbers
- Goals- 12 (2021-22 Season)
- Assists- 23 (2018-2019 Season)
- Points- 34 (2018-2019 Season)
- PPG- 1 (2018-2019, 2019-2020 Seasons)
- PPP- 5 (2018-2019 Season)
- GWG- 3 (2021-2022 Season)
- S%-14.8% (2021-2022 Season)
January, when he earned a C- from Cardiac Canes, was a slow month in the goals department for Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Most of the Hurricanes couldn’t help but score. One was the grand total in 31 days with a season total of 7 goals was what Kotkaniemi ended January with. Those 7 goals represented 58% of his career best total of 12, or 50% of his season total as of this writing (14). After an 4 goal February he was setting at 11 or a 12% increase of his season’s tally (14). With his first goal in March, Jesperi Kotkaniemi surpassed his career best in the goals column (12). Since then his has tallied two more in the absolute domination of the Winnipeg Jets back on March 14th for a season mark of 14 and a new career best. Though Kotkaniemi is goaless in his last two games, he is still doubled his goal tally in less than the second half of the season.
As the clocks stuck mid-night on December 31st, Jesperi Kotkaniemi had just 6 assists, or 30% of his season total of 20 (thus far). Depending on how you look at it, that is 26% of the career high of 23 set back in his rookie season of 2018-29. By January 31st, that number was up to 11 or 48% of his career best. Ten games into March, that total is 20 or a 70% increase in this calendar year. There are 14 games left in the regular season as of this writing, which means a goal in 2.94% of them and he’ll be there. Better still Kotkaniemi could pull off another 4 assist (5 point) night like he did against the Tampa Bay Lighting to settle personal bests in both assists and add to the next category as well.
34 points, again from the 2018-2019 rookie season with the Montreal Canadiens, is the bar to beat in so far as Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s career best in the points total. As of this writing, he is at…..34. A 5 point night like we mentioned earlier, would….if my math is right….put him over the hurdle and into bonus material. However, the points have not been rolling in like they are current for Kotkaniemi.
Prior to his blow up on the Lighting, or his better then average showing against the Jets, Jesperi Kotkaniemi was holding tight at a lowly 18 points at the end of January. Just before taking his C- from the Cardiac Canes, 16 was what his hockey card would have read, meaning he had to double up and add mustard to reach his career (and current) total. Doubling up, with extra mustard, is just what he has done. From the 18 at the end of January, to 25 at the end of February, Kotkaniemi now to 34 at this point in March. Mathematically speaking, that is a 53% increase in less than half the season.
On the power play is perhaps where Jesperi Kotkaniemi has been not only the most exciting, but shown the most improvement, though that improvement has been season to season rather than first half to second Coming into the season Kotkaniemi had just 2 total PPGs and his best in a single season was one. This season, he has 3. Two in the first half of the season, and one thus far in the second side of the season. And if you thought Kotkaniemi’s 3 power play goals have helped the Carolina Hurricanes struggling special teams, you should see his 7 assists while on the man advantage. So far Kotkaniemi has 7 power play apples, 3 more than his career best of 4 set in several different season.
Already reaching his personal best in goals (14), tied for points (34) and close in assist (20 of 23) Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s production comes just when the Carolina Hurricanes need it the most. Tight in a Metro Division race and with key scores, a full team effort will be a must from the Carolina Hurricanes, including the resurgent Jesperi Kotkaniemi. With 14 regular season games left, there is time enough left to meet and match career seasons