• The 2017-18 campaign saw Kotkaniemi register 10-19—29 in 57 games with Assat of the Finnish Elite League, including a goal in his professional debut on Sept. 9, 2017. His 29 points ranked third among all rookies, trailing only Canucks prospect Petrus Palmu (17-19—36) and Jonatan Tanus (12-21—33).

• A two-time medalist at the Under-18 World Championship, Kotkaniemi earned a silver medal in 2017 (1-5—6 in 7 GP) and was an integral part of their gold medal-winning team in 2018 with 3-6—9 in 7 GP including a multi-point effort in the championship game (0-2—2).

• His father, Mikael Kotkaniemi, played professionally for multiple teams in Europe across nine seasons – including five seasons in Assat where he currently serves as the club’s head coach.