The Montreal Canadiens accept an entry-level deal with Jesperi Kotkaniemi

The Montreal Canadiens signed another player, but this was not a free player, Jerperi Kotkaniemi, first choice of 2018, accepting an entry-level contract.

This is not because Free Agent Frenzy Free agents are the only players to sign contracts. As the Montreal Canadiens completed the last day of their development camp in Brossard, they also announced the signing of Jesperi Kotkaniemi for a three-year contract.

The 17-year-old played 57 games with Ässät scoring 10 goals and 19 badists. He was also a member of the Finnish World Junior Championship team with 3 goals and 6 badists in 9 games.

Kotkaniemi was the money for the disappointing campaign of the team in 2017-18. The NHL draft lottery allowed the Canadians to pick third place in the repechage, which they did by taking the Finnish center. Some were not happy with the choice of Marc Bergevin who was expecting the gap to be narrowed. But seeing what he's done, and what he's going to do, is going to make sure that this project will turn around in the future.

This will be a maximum contract for entry-level contracts that will see Kotkaniemi make a total of $ 925,000 per season. Chances are he'll return to Finland for another season with Ässät. Since Kotkaneimi was drafted out of Europe, he could play in North America with the Montreal Canadiens or the Laval Rocket, but being patient is the best way

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He showed in this short window to the development camp the kind of player he is. It will be interesting to see how the rest of his career unfolds within the organization of Canadians. And who will be the next player in the 2018 draft NHL category to receive a first-level contract? Based on his performance at the camp, it would not be surprising to see Jesse Ylonen get one.