Available now in Canada! Make DAILY NHL playoff picks with Sleeper Fantasy and use my code GRAV to get up to $100 on your first deposit: Sleeper.com/promo/GRAV QOTD: If you're Carolina, what do you do with Kotkaniemi? Do you trade him, buy him out, or just keep him for the future? Let me know!! #GravGang

@PingoupTV

21 күн бұрын

easy: trade him for some assets or just wait until he takes more value

Skip to 2 minutes in to avoid the gambling propaganda

@MurphMM.

24 күн бұрын

sign up for sleeper fantasy and use promo code Grav and you'll get up to 100 dollars matched. My pick is to take the under on game 1 of rangers panthers

@whogivesashirtdotca

13 күн бұрын

Better to skip all of it just in case. Gross to see how many of these guys suckle at the teat of an unethical industry.

The problem is, he shouldnt have been a 3rd overall pick, he should have been more in the 10-15 range, and then habs rushed him into the nhl and didnt let him develop. Then he got stuck into a billionaire war, where it seemed that the hurricans were morecinterested in trying to screw the habs and offersheet him instead of actually wanting him

@kurtwpg

25 күн бұрын

Central Scouting thought it should be Brady Tkachuk, but what do they know?

@kenmacleod7225

25 күн бұрын

That sounds about right. That $8.4M the Habs forced Tom Dundon to pay Aho must have been eating at him something fierce to offer sheet KK. But at the time, word was that Waddell thought it was a good move. KK didn't develop into what they hoped he'd be. No big deal..this happens all the time in sports.

@senseofjustice0218

25 күн бұрын

Came here to post this. Dude was projected in the middle of the first round and was only drafted third because Marc Bergevin is an awful GM who was desperate for a top center.

@kurtwpg

25 күн бұрын

@@senseofjustice0218 You're letting your hatred of Bergevin blind you to the fact he speaks French.

@Sound_Plus_Vision

25 күн бұрын

@@senseofjustice0218 Not true, he was a late riser in the 2018 draft rankings as draft day grew nearer, and was repeatedly linked to the Habs as our guy for weeks prior. He shouldn't have gone third, and certainly not above Tkachuk or Quinn Hughes, but he was absolutely a top 10 projected pick before the draft

Owner Tom Dundon making his own GM look like a dolt then had their juvenile social media teams attempt to rub it in. Deserving ending to a stupid move made purely out of spite.

@kenmacleod7225

25 күн бұрын

Yes, this Habs fan isn't losing any sleep over that arrogant billionaire's' troubles. I do like the player, though. I feel bad for KK and I hope things work out got him, eventually.

remember when canes fans thought they stole him from montreal? loooooooooooooooooool

@ledsabbazepplath3889

25 күн бұрын

“He’ll develop into a 1C in Carolina”

@Theaveragejoehockeyreport

24 күн бұрын

​@@ledsabbazepplath3889I'm sure they didn't think he was gonna be better than Aho. But considering they already had Trochek (should have kept him), Staal, Jack Drury and Ryan Suzuki in the system, the offer sheet made no sense.

@jonah.donohue

20 күн бұрын

You’ll see

Carolina should call Montreal and ask for Dvorak to replace KK. Kent Hughes will send him for 15$ 😂

I wouldn’t give up on a player at 23

Imagine if this was all Bergevin idea from the ludacrest offersheet on Aho, setting the bait and the waiting for the big fish to take it ? Bergevin was playing chess and the other fellow was playing checkers .

@whogivesashirtdotca

13 күн бұрын

You give that giant dolt Bergevin way too much credit. He's not smart enough to plot like that.

Honestly i think he got too greedy, if he had stayed in montreal he most likely would've continue to develop as a good hockey player, especially with marty as the coach. He would even have a good pairing on the second line with kirby for sure.

We got words recently that is work ethic was questionable. Don't know if that's true, but that was the most recent in Montreal medias. Sadly for him, the whole offer sheet derailed his career where he didn't really have to prove himself, and the fact the Habs didn't match was clearly a red flag.

@manu-animation-924

25 күн бұрын

Actually thats false info in his book Bergevin opened up that he matched the offer sheet the last day of the offer and called kotkaniemi few times for him to accept but he never answered the phone his agent then called him to tell Bergevin he didn’t want to play to Montreal even if he matched the offer due to maybe the treatment he had in the playoffs and that’s how he left Montreal

This is exactly who Brent Sennecke reminds me of. I really don't think he's bad. Just developed wrong badly. And wasn't a top 3 player in the draft. I think he still actually has 50-65 point middle 6 upside like Stephenson.

@kurtwpg

25 күн бұрын

6 years in, he's clearly the worst player drafted in the top 8, probably 2nd worst in the top 12.

@matthew7827

25 күн бұрын

Well here is the problem about kotkaniemi development. Firstly, he was rushed way too early into the nhl. He wasn’t even supposed to be drafted 3rd overall bht since he was probably the best center available, Bergevin went for him. Secondly, realize if Bergevin sent him down to the AHL or the junior leagues, maybe he would’ve been a complete different player by now. Ever since Bergevin drafted him, i’ve always disliked and despised that pick but that doesn’t prevent me from thinking Kotkaniemi could’ve reached his peek if he had the right development at that time and if he wasn’t rushed into the big leagues way too early. Think about Slafkovsky this season who had a disappointing rookie season but quickly turned it around the next season because of the coaching management team.

@etiennemore1704

25 күн бұрын

@@kurtwpgNot really, Zadina and Hayton were drafted top 8 too

@swen1208

25 күн бұрын

@@kurtwpg Zadina says hi.

@Theaveragejoehockeyreport

24 күн бұрын

​@@matthew7827this is Geoff Molsons fault. He should have fired MB before he was even given a chance to draft KK. KK also had terrible coaches in Claude Julien who was past his expiration date and the pr move Dominique Ducharme. At least Slafkovský has a great coach in MSL.

I don’t necessarily want this to happen but Vancouver might want to see if a kotkiniemi for mikayev trade is possible

The draft ladies reaction when Montreal drafted Kotkaniemi pretty much sums up his career to this point.

His contract was made to be bought out if he didn't pan out to his potential. His cap hit would be better spent elsewhere. There really is no loss here considering how well the Cane's draft. Real winner here is Utah, who got Conor Geekie after trading up the first rounder used in the Dvorak trade.

Necas would look good in orange and black. He could center the future Michkov line.

That offersheet was bad before it was even signed. The fact that a contender that was supposed to be focused on winning now was instead, more focused on wasting almost 5M for 6 years purely out of spite is just pathetic. That's the kind of hissy fit that you'd expect from a middle schooler, but no, it came from a professional sports franchise. And now, it's become a liability. Deserved.

@upscalestew7850

25 күн бұрын

The offer sheet was only 1 year. The current contract is because they actually believed in him as a player

@Theaveragejoehockeyreport

24 күн бұрын

An offer sheet by the same gm that helped the Thrashers fold in Atlanta. And he's made some weird moves in carolina too.

@gabetalks9275

24 күн бұрын

@@Theaveragejoehockeyreport Atlanta Spirit tied Waddell's hands. They forced him to cut salary, so it was basically impossible for him to build a winning them there.

@Theaveragejoehockeyreport

24 күн бұрын

@@gabetalks9275 they oddly enough killed the spirit there lol. Oh well, I'm from winnipeg.

Montreal should of picked Hughes or tkachuk

@yaoming7762

25 күн бұрын

old news

@marcbabineau6001

24 күн бұрын

no shit sherlock

@irishrootsQ

24 күн бұрын

Never heard of that one.

STL could convince Torey Krug to waive his NTC and deal him to Carolina for Kotkaniemi straight up. (Or it could be Justin Faulk, but the Blues would much prefer to deal Krug) -JK gets a fresh start with less immediate pressure. (Blues are looking at another year or two retool) -Krug goes to a current cup-level competitor. (Carolina's cup window is now) -Carolina gets a very good offensive D-man and PP QB who's not bad in his own zone -St. Louis gets a younger mid-line center to grow with the youth movement under way and clears out one of the NTCs currently creating a logjam on the blueline Balancing considerations: -Krug currently makes $1.68 mil more than JK -JK is signed for 6 more years, Krug for only 3 -Krug's NTC becomes a '15-team list' NEXT Summer -JK's contract is unencumbered

We revived Eeli Tolvanen in Seattle. Give us KK for cap minimum and he has a breakout year 😉 lmao

I was watching when Kotkaniemi scored his first (and second) goals against my beloved Washington Caps. I thought "this guy is going to be a star." I'm really not sure what happened.

@mattatr0n677

25 күн бұрын

Every time i went to see the blues live i thought Patrik berglund looked like a star in the making. Looking back, that was way off. I guess that's why scouting is a precarious job: you could catch a guy on some good nights or during a hot streak and be convinced he's the next star everyone will be talking about, but you don't pay attention or catch him during the low points

When he skates backwards, people say "Here comes the bum!"

Revenge might be right around the corner. An offer sheet for Martin Necas would get the Habs that player. The Canes are in such a cap bind, they know it would be a Tavares-like poison pill for them to match it.

@jasonvoorheesthethird

25 күн бұрын

It would be a huge mistake for MTL to get Necas, the guy is overrated and he’s definitely not what the HABS need

@kenmacleod7225

25 күн бұрын

@@jasonvoorheesthethird I think he's pretty close to a point-per-game player on the right team. I think he might be exactly what Montreal needs.

@jasonvoorheesthethird

25 күн бұрын

@@kenmacleod7225 I really disagree, Necas will never be a point per game player, he’s a peripheral player and he’s way overrated imo. He only had one good season, and besides he doesn’t fit in MTL, he’s not what they need. MTL need a player with character and skills, not a player who’s afraid to go where it hurts. I’m telling you, it would be a huge mistake for the HABS to get him, everyone will want him out in just 2-3 years if they do

@Ryukasan1

21 күн бұрын

MTL is still in a rebuild and giving away an unprotected first for Necas would be insanely dangerous, Just talk to the GM and try to make a deal if you really want Necas.

@kenmacleod7225

20 күн бұрын

@@Ryukasan1 For sure. It has to be your own first-rounder in an offer sheet and that might still be a lottery pick at the end of next season. The Canes are in cap hell. They'll listen to anyone at this stage, even the Canadiens. But it will probably take a package much like the Kings paid for PLD to get Necas. We might be better off trading for a more modest Dach/Newhook type of player who hasn't quite broken out yet. They were smart gambles that appear to be paying off, more or less..

those bots are something else 😅

@bangbangyoureaboolean1324

25 күн бұрын

lol, I think I know what you mean.

Great Video, as usual, Nathan. I think The Montreal Canadiens are Thanking Their Lucky Stars about the Offer Sheet. Let me know what you think

it must be summer when a popular Habs podcast actually entertained the idea that they could sign Kotkaniemi next year if he is bought out. Um, why? He has been victim of unrealistic expectations from the moment he was drafted. It has hurt his development but swelled his pocketbook. I'm guessing money does not buy happiness though.

Jordan Stall is not a #2 Center anymore come on my dudes. 3 = good.

This is what happens if you let ego influence your decisions as a NHL GM they wanted to get 1 up MTL so badly that they grossly overpaid for a at best bad 2nd line center potentially … on a bottom dwelling team. Montreal offer sheeted Aho his actual market value thinking Carolina would be too cheap to sign him, because that was their reputation at the time. Honestly Los Angeles offering Danault slightly more money is more akin to what MTL tried to do with Aho than whatever Carolina imagined they would accomplish by vastly overpaying Kotkaniemi and compensate MTL.

The problem is Carolina brought his upon themselves. I'm glad that Montreal said their goodbyes to kk

Don’t write him off yet though, he’s still very young

@Ryukasan1

21 күн бұрын

No. Stop! The "young" excuse only works with players who are actually developing and don't have a lot of NHL games in their body. KK is turning 24 this summer and, playoffs included, already has over 450 NHL games worth of experience. What you are seeing now is what you're gonna get. A very average 3rd line center who's overpaid out of spite from a past offer sheet. KK at 2-3M for 2-3 years is fine. KK at 4.8m over 7 years is an abomination of a deal.

Just imagine if the Habs had Brady Tkachuk like everyone on planet earth thought they were taking....

@oasisbeyond

25 күн бұрын

Slaf and Tkachuk.. but then again we need to look at maybe they would not finish last place... People forget these things.

I do believe KK has his place in the NHL and will find his stride eventually, most probably at 3rd line C. I mean, I look at Armia, a player obviously very talented, and it seems he's finally figuring his game out at 30 years old. I think the destination of choice will be a team that is in the start of middle of a rebuild mode, like you mentioned San Jose & Columbus. Maybe Seattle would look for a bit more offensive punch? But one thing is for sure, he shouldn't have been drafted 3rd, nor brought straight to the NHL. Realizing Montreal chose him over Hughes, Tkachuk & Dobson stings a lot. And I was one chirping the Sens about KK being better that Brady. I was wrong.

Marc Bergevin was a petty GM for the Habs and gave an offer sheet to Aho, the the Canes the next year did the same shit and stole KK for the heck of it but not because they thought so much of him.

The whole thing is overblown considering his age and his production to date. His next team will end up with a great deal.

@MrSebby08

24 күн бұрын

In fact, he’ll sign a better value contract for next season than will Necas, whom everyone seems to love but also doesn’t have consistent production, is a year older and is a weaker defender.

Who did Montreal get with the picks they got from Carolina?

@marcbabineau6001

24 күн бұрын

Dvorak

@KingSteady

23 күн бұрын

@@marcbabineau6001 yikes.

As a Habs fan drafting this guy makes me mad 😡

No shot CBus should be interested

how can you think guentzel and jarvis will only cost 15m jake alone is gonna be 10-12m its why Pittsburgh traded him

ultimate chaos would be montreal offering a offer sheet for necas

@Ryukasan1

21 күн бұрын

They wont because Hugues is actually smart and patient, unlike Bergevin.

easy buyout, we move 🔥🔥

Kotkaniemi had 14 points in the first 15 games Which means he had 13 in the last 64

The rise ? I must have missed it.

Why not Brady Tkachuk the habs needed him

buyout and a fresh start in San Jose or Pittsburgh.Rooster,there's no other way.

@kurtwpg

25 күн бұрын

I don't think Carolina will sell low on a 23 year old who is still a cheap buyout in 2025. His trade value can barely go down from here, and waiting a year on a buyout ends the buyout period sooner.

He needs to play with someone like Crosby or Mackinnon...players with high hockey IQ instead of bums.

This is why I want the Kraken to take their time developing Shane Wright, this is a cautionary tale in player development.

The canes really wanted to show the habs so much so the stuck there foot in There mouth

Canes fan here.....yeah...

If this doesn't scream pick bpa and not for need I don't know what does

Someone they isn't on s rush well sign him at he gets bought out. I can see him a team giving him s shot

KK back to habs?😊

Bro is a walking L

He'll get bought out and then signs in Calgary

if they buy him out the sharks will give him a chance

I would take a chance. Can't be much worse than Hayes.

Hayes and 3rd for JK

Do NOT be shocked if the Florida Panthers take a flyer at Kotkaniemi

Maybe Faulk for JK

Poor kid was rushed to the NHL

And with all that said, he is genuinely worst than Zadina... Hardcore...

Another Avs reclamation project 🔜

drafted by motreal, dude was destined to fail

@0707111161

17 күн бұрын

Juraj Slafkovsky 50 points in first full season!

Krug for JK

there never was a rise 😂😂😂

He’s is gona be a shark 😂

This is the risk you take when you do a massive reach with the 3rd overall pick. You notice how Kaiden Guhle was the safe, predictable pick? That's because 2 years in they realized they had screwed up and another reach would have been gambling with their jobs.

@Willy-jr85

25 күн бұрын

Massive reach whoah if Montréal dont Pick him the Coyotes take him at five

@kurtwpg

24 күн бұрын

@@Willy-jr85 He was the 6th ranked European skater. The 2nd got picked 8th, the 3rd got picked 9th, the 4th got picked 16th, the 5th got picked 50th, the 7th got picked 15th, and the 8th got picked 23rd.

Another player ruined by poor habs development womp womp womp

Carolina should have known better than rely on the Montreal Canadian's hability to recuite a good player. Whoever the Habs draft, you know it is going to be a bust.

@thailakhampo

25 күн бұрын

Slaf 's a bust? Hughes administrations. Not Bergevin

@irishrootsQ

25 күн бұрын

🙄

@0707111161

17 күн бұрын

Juraj Slafkovsky 50 points in first full season!

JK IS TRADABLE. The cap hit per season is very manageable. The issue is the term and starting 7/1/24, he has a M-NTC.

@c0stathecraycraygreek459

19 күн бұрын

Also Caroline might have to eat salary to entice teams to trade for him.

3rd pick overall was Kotkaniemi.... 4th pick Brady Tkachuk!!! Talk about messing up! 75% of the Montreal fans where shouting TKACHUK!!! But the experts knew better...

@astroking3290

25 күн бұрын

False narrative. Nobody was talming about Tkatchuk. Fans wanted Zadina, who is worst than KK lol

lol…there was never any rise…it was a crappy pick by a stupid gm

@0707111161

17 күн бұрын

And an even dumber offer sheet from the canes. ☺😂