Carolina Hurricanes
· 2026-06-29
The Carolina Hurricanes are shopping disappointing forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, just days after winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021 through an offer sheet, but has been a major disappointment, passing 40 points in a season just once in five years.
The Hurricanes had hoped Kotkaniemi could fill a long-term void as their 2C, but he has failed to take a step forward, appearing in just 42 games this past season.
The team is looking to trade Kotkaniemi instead of buying him out, believing his $4.8 million cap hit is manageable for other teams, according to reporter Frank Seravalli.
The Hurricanes are coming off a strong season, with a 53-22 record and a first-place standing in the Eastern Conference, and are looking to make moves to push for back-to-back titles in 2027.
The Hurricanes have already gone through the 2026 NHL Draft and are now preparing for free agency, with some big decisions to make about the future, including what to do with John Carlson after acquiring his rights.
The team's General Manager, Eric Tulsky, is taking a patient approach, looking to make the right moves to build on their recent success, which includes a win over the Vegas Golden Knights on June 15.
The Hurricanes are looking to build on their momentum, and trading Kotkaniemi could be a key step in that process, as they look to strengthen their lineup and make a push for another championship.
And with the salary cap landscape changing, the Hurricanes are looking to make the most of their opportunities, and trading Kotkaniemi could be a key part of that strategy.
But for now, the focus is on finding a new home for Kotkaniemi, and the Hurricanes are working to make that happen, with the future of their lineup hanging in the balance.
So the Hurricanes are taking a careful approach, looking to make the right move, and that move could involve trading Kotkaniemi to a team that is looking to add some depth to their lineup.
The Hurricanes are coming off a strong season, and they are looking to build on that success, with a strong lineup and a solid game plan, and trading Kotkaniemi could be a key part of that plan.