Feb 25, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) watches the play against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly are finalizing an eight-year contract extension for forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
The Athletic reported the deal will carry an average annual value of $4.25 to $4.5 million, while TSN reported it will be “just south of” $5 million.
Kotkaniemi, 21, has 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 54 games in his first season with the Hurricanes.
The 2018 first-round pick (No. 3 overall) joined Carolina in September as a restricted free agent after the Montreal Canadiens declined to match the Hurricanes’ $6.1 million offer.
The Finland native tallied 62 points (22 goals, 40 assists) in 171 games with the Canadiens from 2018-21.
–Field Level Media