The Pori native arrived at training camp in peak condition after playing 10 games with Finnish Elite League club Assat before returning to Canada.
He believes it was a beneficial experience that is paying dividends already.
"I had a little feeling of the game in Finland and that helps me here," said Kotkaniemi, who registered two goals and eight points in 10 outings with his hometown squad. "I feel I'm ready now when the games are starting. I had a couple of preseason games and now the real games start."
That will come next Wednesday when Kotkaniemi and company open the year on the road against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
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Between now and then, though, he'll continue building chemistry with linemates Tyler Toffoli and Joel Armia, and picking up a few tips from fellow pivot and faceoff aficionado Phillip Danault.
Danault has been a key influence for the likes of Kotkaniemi, Nick Suzuki and Jake Evans thus far on the South Shore, passing along valuable information.
"It's really big for the three of us. He's kind of a mentor for us," confirmed Kotkaniemi. "He's teaching us those little tricks every day. He's been here a while, so it's really good to have a guy like that around."