Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the Hurricanes may be headed toward a fresh start

Jesperi Kotkaniemi has fallen into a limited role with the Carolina Hurricanes, appearing in 25 games with two goals and six points this season, and reports say GM Eric Tulsky is looking for a fresh start that could include a trade.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi's role with the Carolina Hurricanes has diminished and the team is reportedly exploring options. He has been linked to trade talks and was ranked No. 10 on a recent NHL trade board. Carolina acquired him via a 2021 offer sheet and signed him to an eight-year contract after the 2022 season. Kotkaniemi has struggled to find consistent production and spent significant time out of the lineup this season. Notable details: - Kotkaniemi was tied to trade talks and listed at No. 10 on Chris Johnston's recent trade board. - Carolina acquired him in 2021 when Montreal accepted first- and third-round picks as compensation for the offer sheet. - He signed an eight-year, $38.56 million contract after 2022 and has four years left at a reported $4.82 million average annual value. - After an 18-goal, 43-point season in 2022-23, he had 27 and 33 points in 2023-24 and 2024-25 and has two goals and six points in 25 games this season. - Coach Rod Brind'Amour pointed to inconsistency and a lack of production; media reports say Carolina is committed to its Stanley Cup push and would likely seek meaningful assets in a trade. Summary: Kotkaniemi's reduced role and uneven output have placed him on the trade radar, and the Hurricanes are reportedly looking for a fresh start that could remove him from their roster. With a thin market for centers and comparable recent contracts cited as context, the precise trade structure or destination is undetermined at this time.