Dec 19, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry (2) and Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) fight for position in front of the net during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

It truly seems to be over for former Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the Carolina Hurricanes.

This Monday, Jesperi Kotkaniemi was scratched by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Yes, sent to the press box even though he was fully healthy!

“The Canes get Will Carrier back today vs. Buffalo. Jesperi Kotkaniemi sits.”

– Walt Ruff

It’s easy to assume the Hurricanes have grown tired of Kotkaniemi and that their experiment with him simply hasn’t worked, but now we have concrete actions to prove it.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi sent to the press box by the Hurricanes: it really feels like the end

This season, his production is thin: 29 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points, with 8 penalty minutes.

He remains a name that marked the recent history of the Canadiens.

Drafted 3rd overall in 2018 by Montreal, he still carries that label, no matter which jersey he wears.

And in 505 NHL regular-season games, he has recorded 78 goals and 201 points.

We all know his history, with the offer sheet and everything!

When Carolina gets players back healthy, internal competition tightens quickly, and some end up in the press box.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes still got the job done Monday with a 2-1 win over the Sabres.

As we reported earlier this week, the Hurricanes have been shopping the former Canadiens forward-a telling sign of what may come next.

Things are clearly trending in the wrong direction for Kotkaniemi.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics

POLL

6 HOURS AGO   |   448 ANSWERS

Things aren’t looking great for former Canadien Jesperi Kotkaniemi after latest Hurricanes roster move

Would you trade a sixth-round pick for Kotkaniemi?