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Carolina Hurricanes Turn To Kotkaniemi To Solve Second Line Conundrum With Drury Out – Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

On Tuesday night, the Carolina Hurricanes rallied in the third period, with all three goals coming from the defense, to secure their 18th win of the season. However, the win came at a cost, as top faceoff center Jack Drury—ranked 21st in the NHL with a 56.4% faceoff winning percentage—sustained a thumb injury that will require surgery. Drury's absence presents an important opportunity—not only for newly drafted Tyson Jost but, more importantly, for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who will get another chance to establish himself as a second-line center after shuffling throughout the lineup this season.

Kotkaniemi Stepping Up After Drury Injury

Drury injured his thumb blocking the ball in the first half of Tuesday's game against the San Jose Sharks. The 24-year-old tried to make a comeback but only managed one change before being sent off for the rest of the game. Known for his versatility, Drury has been a reliable depth player for the Hurricanes, contributing in all situations, including the penalty kill, power play, and as a reliable faceoff specialist at key times.

In Tuesday's game, Kotkaniemi stepped up while Drury went down early, logging less than 16 minutes of ice time. He finished the game scoring two goals and even drew a penalty.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes (Jess Starr/Hockey Writers)

“He was great,” head coach Rod Brind'Amour said of Kotkaniemi after the game. “He stepped up, and I thought he had a great game.”

Second Hurricane Center Issues

The center of the Hurricanes' second line has been a perennial problem—like a flat tire with a plug that will never fix the problem. Ever since Vincent Trocheck left in free agency, the team has been looking for a true second-line center. Kotkaniemi started the season in that role, but was later replaced by Drury, with neither player locking down the floor full time.

At 24 years old, Kotkaniemi has shown flashes of potential in a big role, displaying a good image he doesn't use often enough and a solid vision on the ice. However, there were also stretches where his play was inconsistent. Last season the Finnish forward got off to a strong start, recording 15 points in the team's first 21 games and was recognized as one of the most notable players. Unfortunately, his performance dropped off in the second half of the season, which led to him having to sit out several games and watch in the press box.

Once again, Kotkaniemi finds himself with a chance to prove why he was selected third overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, behind only Andrei Svechnikov and Rasmus Dahlin. He also earns a salary of $4.82 million this season, adding more weight to his performance. Based on Thursday's practice, Kotkaniemi will line up between Eric Robinson and Martin Necas, three players who have excelled early in the season, creating offense at a high rate.

Through 28 games this season, Kotkaniemi has registered four goals and 10 assists, averaging just 13:29 of ice time per game. With Drury out “for good,” all eyes will be on Kotkaniemi to step up. After being left out of Finland's Four Nations Face-Off Team, the 2018 third-rounder will play with a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove his worth and take advantage of this latest opportunity.

Jost Enters the List

Jost, who was named second in the American Hockey League for the second time this season, will man the fourth line alongside William Carrier and Jackson Blake. The 26-year-old has scored one goal in seven NHL games this season and has four goals and five assists in the AHL. Jost signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Hurricanes during the offseason and will aim to solidify his role as a reliable depth forward for Carolina.

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