Jesperi Kotkaniemi believes he can establish himself as an impact player between 2023 and 2024.

Last year, in his second season with the Carolina Hurricanes, the forward had his best season statistically. In 82 games he scored 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points.

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“I gained mass and became stronger. I improved my skating and won more fights. “That will be my greatest asset for the future,” analyzed Kotkaniemi, whose comments were reported by “The Hockey News” magazine.

The first-round pick (third overall) of the Montreal Canadiens in 2018 was given more responsibility in the final moments of the 2022-2023 season, notably playing with Martin Necas and Andrei Svechnikov on his wings.

“Last year he had the chance to play with better hockey players. It’s enormous. He played a lot more than he did last year,” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

“Of course it helps to increase the numbers and that is usually what everyone sees. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s playing better or not. He could play very well, but he just couldn’t manage to score points. You have to be careful not to judge on that basis, but you could tell, especially in the second half of the year, that he was a better player and the stats backed it up.

“I think he understands the game a little better,” Brind’Amour added. He has also matured physically. He is still young. We’ve already talked about it, there’s still room for improvement in all areas, but I think he’s on the right track.”

Another Step?

The Finnish center is confident he can continue his momentum into 2022-2023.

“I want to take a step forward from last year,” he said. I hope to have a better start in points and just try to be a better version of myself.”

On Wednesday, during the Canes’ first game of the season, Kotkaniemi skated in center with Necas and Teuvo Teravainen in the second forward line. He had an assist in a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.