Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a Finnish professional hockey player who began his career with Assat and represented Finland internationally. Drafted third in total by the Montreal Canadiens in 2018, he made his NHL debut as the initial player born in 2000. Over his career, he has played 476 games, contributing 304 points. After signing a lucrative contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, Kotkaniemi is a rising star with impressive scoring metrics. More insights into his path and future potential follow.
Early Life
Jesperi Kotkaniemi began his hockey odyssey at a young age, developing his skills as a forward while playing for Assat during his childhood.
His early involvement in the sport paved the way for his international success, where he represented Finland in numerous tournaments. Remarkably, he played a key role in Finland’s impressive performance at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships, helping the team secure runner-up position in 2017 and finishing with nine points in seven games in the 2018 tournament.
His dedication and talent culminated in a historic achievement when he became the initial player born in 2000 to make his NHL debut on October 3, 2018.
Family Life
Jesperi Kotkaniemi grew up in a close-knit family that played an essential role in his hockey path. His father, Miro Kotkaniemi, was instrumental in his early development, offering guidance and support as he pursued his passion for the sport.
Jesperi’s younger brother also shares an interest in hockey, highlighting a family tradition of athleticism.
The Kotkaniemi family made notable sacrifices to facilitate Jesperi’s move to North America for his NHL career, reinforcing their strong bond.
Jesperi frequently expresses gratitude for their steadfast support, emphasizing how fundamental their presence has been in both his life and career.
Career
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was drafted third in total by the Montreal Canadiens in 2018 and quickly made his mark in the NHL.
Over his career from 2018 to 2025, he played 476 games, scoring 122 goals and recording 201 assists for a total of 304 points, averaging 0.8 points per game.
Kotkaniemi also demonstrated his skills in the playoffs, contributing 4 goals in 10 games in 2020 and accumulating 8 points in 19 games in 2021.
In 2021, he made headlines by signing a one-year, $6.1 million offer sheet, moving to the Carolina Hurricanes and becoming the initial restricted free agent to switch teams via an offer sheet since 2007.
His career statistics highlight a solid performance, with a Corsi For Percentage of 60.8%, emphasizing his effectiveness in generating offensive plays.
Net Worth
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, considerably improved by his lucrative 8-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes valued at $38.56 million.
His contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $4,820,000, with a base salary of $4,000,000 for the 2022-23 season, escalating to $5,200,000 in the following years.
Throughout his NHL career, Kotkaniemi has drawn substantial salaries, including $6,100,035 from his previous one-year deal, alongside other earnings such as $925,000 from his entry-level contract and numerous performance bonuses.
As he continues his tenure in the NHL, his financial standing is projected to grow further.