In a stunning mid-series twist, the Carolina Hurricanes have made a bold roster move that is sending shockwaves through the hockey world. With the Eastern Conference Final heating up against the Florida Panthers, head coach Rod Brind’Amour has decided to remove Jesperi Kotkaniemi from the lineup, signaling a dramatic shift in the team’s approach.

Kotkaniemi, who has struggled to find his form in the playoffs despite a solid regular season, now finds himself on the sidelines at a crucial point in the series. The decision comes after a string of costly mistakes in Game 1, leaving fans and analysts questioning what comes next for the 24-year-old forward.

As Mark Jankowski steps in to fill the void, the Hurricanes are clearly prioritizing performance and accountability in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup berth. With Game 2 looming and Carolina trailing the series, all eyes are on how this shakeup will impact the team’s chemistry and their chances of turning the tide against a formidable Panthers squad.

Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

We have an update regarding former Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

We didn’t see this one coming, but it’s clear that head coach Rod Brind’Amour has seen enough of Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The Hurricanes are set to announce that Kotkaniemi is being removed from the lineup.

Wow.

That’s quite a major change to make in the middle of a third-round series against the Florida Panthers, but they clearly feel it’s the right decision for the team.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Removed from the Hurricanes Lineup Mid-Series Against the Florida Panthers

Kotkaniemi made some questionable decisions in Game 1 against the Panthers. He made mistakes that hurt the team, and the Hurricanes have apparently had enough.

All signs point to Mark Jankowski taking the place of the former third-overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the Hurricanes’ lineup.

And here’s the confirmation from Renaud Lavoie:

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, 24, recorded 33 points in 78 games this season, and has added just 3 points (no goals) in 11 playoff games.

He is earning $4.82 million per year through 2030 and has struggled in the playoffs for the past few years.

Mark Jankowski, 30, recorded 8 points in 19 games with the Hurricanes this season (all goals), and has added one point in three playoff games.

A reminder that Game 2 of this Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers takes place tonight at 8:00 PM, live from Raleigh.

Matthew Tkachuk’s squad leads the best-of-seven series 1-0.