In selecting Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the third overall selection of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Marc Bergevin and the Montreal Canadiens have declared their intention to fill the long-standing organizational deficit at the centre position. The selection of Kotkaniemi, a player who may eventually have a higher ceiling, but whose current level of ability is generally not regarded as the third-best in the draft, indicates that Bergevin has a multi-year plan in mind.
Given that Kotkaniemi played this previous Liiga season at wing, it is likely the Finnish prospect will require one additional full season with Ässät at the centre position prior to coming over to North America.