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"It's getting better every day, so we're coming in with an open mind," said Bergevin. "I do not know not, but just the fact that he's signed up and that he's coming to the camp and that he's closer to the NHL. Where it's going to be on October 1st, I can not tell you but we see a lot of potential and growth in this young man. "
That's right, and Canadians would be justified in giving the third choice of the 2018 NHL Drafting hearing of nine parties before send it to Finland or the AHL instead of burning the first year of the Kotkaniemi entry contract.
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But, Big Picture, it's probably one of those situations where both sides would be better off if Kotkaniemi dunked his toes in water rather than diving. If Montreal needs a quick example of a player whose rookie business has not been used optimally they might want to consider Jesse Puljujärvi, who finished fourth in 2016. [19659005] Puljujärvi only played in 28 games in 2016-17, which had minimal impact while pushing him so it's much closer to ending his rookie deal. Things did not improve last season, as it only generated 20 points in 65 games. A breakthrough is quite possible in 2018-2019, but the downside would be that the Oilers would then need to give it an increase, and would really only benefit from a high-value season of its contracts. 39, entry level.
mismanagement of Montreal badets should be concerned, especially if they are realistic about their chances next season.
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Now, it's plausible – maybe likely – that things could go a little better in 2018-2019. For the most obvious example, the Habs could be viable if Carey Price returned to elite form (and good health).
In all honesty, the Lightning and the Maple Leafs should be light years away from Montreal. The Panthers and especially the Bruins enter the season with higher hopes. Canadians run the risk of missing the playoffs even if they improve dramatically, so why not push Kotkaniemi's contract instead of squandering it?
The Finnish striker was only 18 on July 6th. expect it to be a little less polite compared to an older perspective like, for example, Brady Tkachuk. The worst case scenario might be that Kotkaniemi is playing well enough to reach double digits in the games played, but he generally struggles and ends up slowing his growth by squandering a year of ELC.
This may not be the healthiest environment for Kotkaniemi.
Bergevin and head coach Claude Julien must be at least a little concerned about job security, and the atmosphere has a chance of being quite toxic. Critics will blame Julien for the way he manages young players in the best case, but how ugly would the scene if the supporters claim the replacement of Bergevin and Julien?
Montreal seems very attached to his group before this season. too, and it may be accurate, even if they pull the trigger on a Max Pacioretty trade. The return could be rather modest if Kotkaniemi is only a minor upgrade compared to a replacement player
***
The Habs have already made a divisive choice by selecting Kotkaniemi after the third choice in 2018. Many believe that Montreal has targeted the need first and foremost, with the hope that Kotkaniemi will become the front-line center, a play that has escaped Montreal for ages. The pressure will eventually be very fierce for the prospect of delivering, so Canadians would have to wait until it is really ready.
And, again, the decision should not be based solely on altruism. Instead, by doing what is best for Kotkaniemi, Canadians have a better chance of taking advantage of his cheap deal whereas they would be ideally better prepared to face.
start making these decisions properly if they want to change things.
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<p clbad = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = " James O & # 39; Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports .Then on [19659021] [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins [19659022] "data-reactid =" 38 "> James O. Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports . Drop him a line at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins .
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