The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly begun talks with Jesperi Kotkaniemi's camp for a long-term contract extension according to DailyFaceoff's Frank Seravalli.
"They're now working hard to keep him. Sources say the Hurricanes met recently with Kotkaniemi's representation and had productive talks on the framework of a long-term contract extension," Seravalli said.
Kotkaniemi is set to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign, and will have a $6.1 million qualifying offer. Seravalli said that both sides have acknowledged that Kotkaniemi hasn't played up to that level this season, so the AAV on his next contract will be quite a bit lower.
He added that the Hurricanes would like to get Kotkaniemi signed to an eight-year contract, but it might be too expensive for them. Seravalli then wondered if a six or seven-year contract in the $4-$4.5 million range would work.
The Pori (Finland) native joined the Carolina Hurricanes back in September after they signed him to an offer sheet for one-year. In 52 games this season, the 21-year-old has recorded twenty-two points (eleven goals, eleven assists), fourteen penalty minutes and is a plus-one. His eleven goals ties a career-high he set during his rookie season in 2018-19 as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.
Source: Frank Seravalli - DailyFaceoff
