Colorado Avalanche: Jesperi Kotkaniemi a Smart, 2-Way Forward
The Colorado Avalanche have the16th in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Could they use that selection on Jesperi Kotkaniemi?
The Colorado Avalanche have a little more depth than they’ve had in a while. Indeed, they look pretty stacked at defense for a change.
One area that needs some attention, though, is forward depth. They have their top-three set, and players such as Tyson Jost, J.T. Compher and Alexander Kerfoot look pretty good for at least top-nine if not top-six duties. However, the majority of the forward corps outside of the top-three has been a rotating cast.
Perhaps the team will look to augment that corps in the first round of this year’s draft. If so, they might consider Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
2017-18 Team: Ässät (Liiga)
Date of Birth: Jul. 6, 2000 (17 years old)
Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 188 pounds
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Ranked #10 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #13 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #16 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Center Jesperi Kotkaniemi is currently playing for Ässät in the Finnish Liiga, which is the top men’s league in Finland — it’s the one Mikko Rantanen played for, though for a different team. Kotkaniemi is 17 years old, so that’s quite impressive.
Concerning his play, Kotkaniemi has been compared to Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Toews and Evgeni Malkin — Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports even compares him to former Av Ryan O’Reilly. In other words, Kotkaniemi is prized for his two-way acumen and his hockey IQ.
Concerning his hockey smarts, Kerr remarks that Kotkaniemi “has a knack for finding open space without the puck and setting himself up for a one-timer or wrister on net.”
Future Considerations also admires his hockey IQ:
"“A strong playmaker not only because he puts the puck on his teammates blade, but more so because he possesses great puck poise and patience for the best option to present itself.”"
Indeed, all the scouts call Kotkaniemi a “strong playmaker” — that’s definitely a large part of the package he offers.
Scout Matias Strozyk further describes Kotkaniemi thus:
"“A smart forward with a dangerous shot, Kotkaniemi possesses a high hockey IQ and determination with the skills to back it up.”"
Another part of the package that Jesperi Kotkaniemi offers is his stick handling. Kerr calls his wrist shot “strong” with an “excellent release.”
Future Considerations remarks that he has a “sneaky quick release” and that Kotkaniemi is adept at “putting his shots on target.” As part of his playmaking skills, he’s also good at finding his teammates and getting accurate passes to them.
One aspect of Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s play that regularly gets brought up is his skating. It’s not the best feature of his game. His first step quickness has been called “average,” and it’s been said his stride is “awkward.”
Kerr acknowledges that Kotkaniemi “is not a speedster,” but he’s a little more flattering about other aspects of his skating:
"“He is strong on his skates and has the power and balance in his stride to fight through checks… He also has good edgework and agility and is able to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.“"
Future Considerations is also a little more flattering, predicting Kotkaniemi will get faster as he adds leg strength and observing that he’s already “a solid skater with good all-round mobility.”
One thing that’s special about Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s game is that defensive aspect. Future Considerations praises his ability to get into the shooting and passing lanes to close off opportunities. The site continues:
"“...willing to play the body to separate the puck or battle on the wall…defensively responsible.”"
Kerr goes into greater detail, remarking that Kotkaniemi is good at reading the play and providing good defense. He continues:
"“He provides effective back pressure on the rush and supports the defence down low. He is willing to engage physically in his own end, battling for pucks on the boards, and helping to keep the front of the net clear… He also is not afraid to block shots. Once a turnover is created, he is quick to start the transition game.”"
Jesperi Kotkaniemi in action:
Jesperi Kotkaniemi and the Colorado Avalanche
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Just like the Colorado Avalanche of a few years ago stuck to their size preference, the current management seems pretty keen on acquiring speedy players. However, GM Joe Sakic stated the team will choose best player available in the first round. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is scouted to go as high as #10 — if he’s still available at #16, he might be the best option.
That lack of speed or overall awkwardness in his skating is something of a deterrent. That said, hockey smarts and defensive acumen tend to be harder for players to learn, and Kotkaniemi has already developed those aspects of his game. Colorado likes forwards who think the game as fast as they skate — in Jesperi’s case, he may well think the game faster.
Plus, since he’s already playing in an elite men’s league as a teenager, I feel he could follow in Rantanen’s footsteps in how quickly he transitions to the NHL.
There are certainly a couple players I prefer at the #16 spot, and I’m going to guess the Colorado Avalanche feel the same way. However, if they end up with Jesperi Kotkaniemi, that won’t be a bad thing.
MORE COLORADO AVALANCHE PROSPECTS:
The Colorado Avalanche will have eight picks at the 2018 NHL Draft, which takes place June 22-23 in Dallas.