The excellent journalist from Radio-Canada, Martin Leclerc, revealed on the podcast Tellement hockey that the third overall pick of the 2018 draft did not train for an entire summer in 2020.
Let's remember that this summer was quite special, as it was the year when the season was interrupted due to the pandemic. It then continued in the bubble, where teams competed for a spot in the playoffs, before the playoffs themselves.
The NHL had suspended its activities on March 12, 2020, before resuming for the playoffs in August, nearly five months later. This means that during this lengthy crucial period for physical development, Kotkaniemi did not train even once. Incredible...
The worst part is that the debacle continues for him, even with his new organization. He might even see his significant contract of $4.82 million for another six seasons be bought out during the next off-season.
