The story of Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes has taken a dramatic—and perhaps final—turn. Once viewed as a promising young center with untapped potential, Kotkaniemi now finds himself at the epicenter of controversy, criticism, and disappointment. The 2025 NHL season, which many hoped would be his breakout year, instead became a showcase for his ongoing struggles and mounting frustrations from both the team and its passionate fanbase.

As the Hurricanes faced elimination in the playoffs, Kotkaniemi’s performance became a lightning rod for blame. A costly penalty, lackluster production, and visible signs of disconnect have all contributed to a narrative that is increasingly difficult to ignore. The media, experts, and even the coaching staff have not shied away from expressing their dissatisfaction, culminating in a bombshell declaration from respected insider Renaud Lavoie, who insists that Kotkaniemi’s time in Carolina—and possibly the NHL—is over. With trade value plummeting and a hefty contract looming, the Hurricanes are left facing tough decisions and uncomfortable questions about the future.

For Kotkaniemi, this turbulent chapter may mark the end of his NHL journey, serving as a cautionary tale for teams and players alike.

Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Things are not going well for former Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

After yet another disappointing season, he had an extremely rough 2025 playoff run and is now outright being blamed for his team’s elimination.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is blamed for the Hurricanes’ loss.

Experts have not held back.

“It’s not like just a turnover or some other mistake, that was such a dumb thing to do.”

The panel discusses Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s penalty that tipped the momentum Florida’s way.

The media is fed up, and now even the Hurricanes seem to be as well.

We saw it when Rod Brind’Amour decided to make him a healthy scratch for Game 2 of the series, and again in the postgame comments.

All this led Renaud Lavoie to make a strong statement.

It’s over for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, according to Renaud Lavoie

All signs point to the Hurricanes seriously considering a buyout of his contract this summer.

For Renaud Lavoie, it’s simple: there’s no room left for him in the NHL.

No team will want to acquire him via trade because of his contract ($4.82M per season until 2029-30), and now the Hurricanes are stuck with him.

“It’s over (for Kotkaniemi). Over, over, over, over. In the league, it’s over!”

– Renaud Lavoie

This quote is featured in the article by Marc-Olivier Cook (DLC).

During his segment on BPM Sports, Lavoie even added that Kotkaniemi was seen smiling, even after being scratched and despite everything going on within the Hurricanes organization, speaking volumes about his attitude.

He’s signed through 2030-just imagine.. yikes!

The Montreal Canadiens definitely dodged a bullet by letting him walk, that’s for sure.

Kotkaniemi has tallied just 5 points in his last 25 playoff games-even while playing on the second line with quality wingers (0 goals).