Home » Sport » Kirk Muller says Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s move to minors helped him a lot

Kirk Muller says Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s move to minors helped him a lot

When Jesperi Kotkaniemi was fired in the minors last February, reactions were mixed. Some said it was high time for the Canadiens to make this decision, while others felt he had nothing to gain by playing in the American League.

Joël Bouchard did a lot of work with the kid, as soon as he arrives in Laval. Yes, the challenge to revive the youngster was big. On the other hand, Bouchard achieved it with perfection since (KK) has 13 points in as many games with the Rocket before being the victim of a nasty spleen injury.

Since? We have noticed that the game of Kotkaniemi is completely different than before. He’s faster, more physically involved, and isn’t afraid to go to the corner of the ice for the puck.

But, what is it that makes the Finn have such good times right now? The current interim head coach of Flannel, Kirk Muller, has his little idea on this:

I would say maturity. I think it was a great decision – I know he didn’t like it – but I think going back (to the AHL) and playing a few games … you can play a lot of hockey in the minors, and that was a good opportunity for him to better understand how we play here. “- Kirk Muller

He is absolutely right. His stint in the LAH seems to have been beneficial, for him and for the organization of the CH. Muller even added a layer of it, saying that he has been a better hockey player since his stay in Laval:

I think it helped him and, more so, I think it mentally prepared him to come back to camp this year, really focused, stronger and faster, and you can see from his performances that he is a much better hockey player. “- Kirk Muller

This is what we can read in this excellent article by Marc Antoine Godin (The Athletique):

We told you recently, Jesperi Kotkaniemi is probably the best player of the Habs since the revival of activities. As of yesterday, he was even the third highest scorer in the NHL in the playoffs.. Will he be able to build on his momentum and help his club secure the victory?th birthday of the goalkeeper, Carey Price?

We will be able to get the answer to this question very soon.

A lot of

– The players are ready.

– The young Devils prospect could wreak havoc in the NHL.

– John Klingberg settles the debate in overtime.

– Hoping that the injury to young Bo Bichette is not so serious.

– Pacioretty looks very happy with the Knights.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.