Kotkaniemi began his youth
career playing with hometown club,
Ässät Pori, as a 14-year old at the under-16 level in 2014.
Having progressed through the junior ranks and showing offensive
potential, Kotkaniemi made his Liiga debut with Ässät to start the
2017–18 season, on September 9, 2017 where he scored his first
professional goal.[1]
As a 17-year old rookie, Kotkaniemi posted impressive offensive
totals, collecting 10 goals and 29 points in 57 games.[2]
On 22 June 2018, having
been touted amongst the top players by the NHL Central Scouting
service, Kotkaniemi was drafted third overall in the
2018 NHL Entry Draft by the
Montreal Canadiens.[3]
After attending the club's development camp, he was signed to a
three-year, entry-level contract on July 2, 2018.[4]
He returned for the
following
2018 World U18 Championships in
Russia,
centering the top-line in recording 9 points in 7 tournament
contests, helping Finland secure the gold medal over
United States. He was also recognized as a top 3 on team Finland
by the IIHF.[5]
