Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s Strong Start Is Reshaping His Role With Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi has revived his role with the team following an impressive start to the 2026-27 NHL season. After being healthy-scratched for most of the previous campaign, Kotkaniemi capitalized on lineup injuries to Jordan Staal and Mark Jankowski, recording five goals and 10 points through his first 17 games.

Writer Zach Martin notes that Kotkaniemi's physical, North-South style and strong board play have solidified his place in the lineup. Teammate Jordan Martinook praised his professionalism ahead of Carolina's upcoming NHL Global Series matchups against the Seattle Kraken in Helsinki, Finland.