In a recent episode of Oilersnation Everyday, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported on a recent trade that didn’t go through. Pagnotta suggested that before ultimately dealing him to the Montreal Canadiens, the Los Angeles Kings had conversations regarding Phillip Danault with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Even more fascinating about Pagnotta’s report is that the Hurricanes wanted to include former third-overall pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the package for Danault. The Kings were reportedly less turned off by Kotkaniemi’s $4.82MM salary than they were by the five years remaining on his contract.
Presently, the savings would have been negligible at best. Kotkaniemi is earning roughly $680K less than Danault for this year and next, which wouldn’t even have been enough for Los Angeles to recall another player making the league minimum salary if they needed. Additionally, since Kotkaniemi’s contract runs three years longer than Danault’s, the Kings would have added around $14.5MM in future costs.
There isn’t much separation in their offensive contributions either, despite Danault’s disappointing start to the year. Kotkaniemi has two goals and six points in 20 games for the Hurricanes this season, whereas Danault registered five assists in 30 games before the trade. Furthermore, Danault has the edge in faceoff percentage and on-ice save percentage at even strength, which are critical metrics for supposed middle-six centers.
All that suggests that the Hurricanes were merely looking to include Kotkaniemi in what would have been a larger package. Carolina doesn’t own their second-round pick this season, but could have attached next year’s second-rounder, or even one of their additional thirds, in a package with Kotkaniemi.
Still, the scrapped trade for Danault is at the very least indicative of how the Hurricanes view Kotkaniemi. As the upper limit of the salary cap continues to rise and Carolina keeps most of their core on relatively team-friendly contracts, Kotkaniemi’s deal isn’t as much of a drain as it has been in years past. However, given the value he provides, or lack thereof, it’s unsurprising to see a competitive team like the Hurricanes looking to move him for an upgrade.
Any deal involving Kotkaniemi will likely be for another underperforming player, similar to Danault’s situation in Los Angeles. Despite not living up to his draft selection, he’s only 25 years old, and some teams may believe they’ll have a chance to squeeze the last bit of development out of him.
Well, ouch. I’d rather throw Kotkaniemi out there than Helenius! I was hoping for a player for player swap, and a second round pick is alright as a return, but I would’ve much rather receive him. Also, just better for Danualt honestly
A high second in a deep draft and one of the greatest drafters of all time running our draft board. This is for the future not now. The now part is the 5.5 in cap space
I mean, that’s true, but Kotkaniemi is exactly what we need right now. He’s like a 15 goal and 20 assist guy, and that would be huge to this offense that can’t score. Depending on draft picks are a huge bargain we may end up regretting, so I’d take the proven consistent player any day. That’s just me though, and I understand where you’re coming from
I think taking our extra second and third round picks one of the goalie prospects and getting a legit second line center and pull byfield back out to wing where is much more effective would be the way to go
Agreed. Byfield shouldn’t be a center. As long as we hold onto Greentree and George, trade any of the prospects
Kings dodge a monster bullet here. Lots of people are down on Holland and his obsession with Cody Cici but the man is not stupid. He is setting up the Kings with tons of financial flexibility in the next three seasons. So many teams are locking up their players long term to keep them off the UFA market and that market has been weak at best the last couple of seasosns. That bubble is gonna burst in 2027. GM’s cannot help themselves and will get into cap hell. Then you have the Kings.
With only 11 players signed beyond next season. 31 mill in space for this offseason and only minor players to resign. And right now 52 million for the 27 offseason. Of course that will come down
All key cornerstone players locked up for at least 3 years having all draft picks
There is no better potential playoff team in better long term cap situation than the Kings. Sure you might argue the Ducks or the Sharks. They are coming off long rebuilds and that young talent is gonna wanna get paid in the next three years
The UFAs in 27 and 28 are not gonna find as much available cap space on the open market and with the 8-7 rule coming down to 6-5. Players might want shorter term deals to get paid twice.
It is refreshing to see a team be smart a with the history of draft success that holland brings. I feel good about the next 5 season as a proud season ticket member
In a system that is more wide open and offensively oriented than Rod Brind’amour’s defense at all cost, KK would probably be fine. Rod has used him as the whipping boy for every mistake. He keeps him in the doghouse while playing other less effective centers. I’m a big supporter of KK, and would like to see him get a chance with another team where he isn’t used as a scapegoat.
Stankovan as the 2nd center isn’t working in Carolina, Staal is old, And slow, Kotkaniemi should be the fourth center, And move Jarvis to the number two center. Bottom line, Carolina will fall short again, Because they haven’t addressed the goaltending.
Sure, they’ve been stuck with a mediocre overpaid player for years and will be for the forseeable future because he’s basically untradeable, but…
Remember how fun that tweet trolling the Habs was…?
Totally worth it.