Welcome to Montreal, Mr. Kotkaniemi!

SAINT PAUL - Sometimes, a simple hug can leave you speechless.

That continues to be the case for Mikael Kotkaniemi when he thinks back to the day Jesperi was drafted third overall by the Canadiens this past summer.
It was June 22, to be exact, and Mikael still struggles to describe the feeling that came over him as the pair embraced in the stands of the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
"It's hard to put into words, but I was very happy for him," shared Mr. Kotkaniemi, who arrived in Montreal two weeks ago to watch Jesperi play live in the NHL ranks for the very first time. "We've been walking a long path together for many years. When you're a sports guy, you're always on the way to somewhere. That was his dream for many years. It's hard to say exactly, but there were many things going around in my head at that time."

That's completely understandable, of course. The Kotkaniemi family barely had enough time to settle into their seats when the Habs' director of amateur scouting, Shane Churla, stepped up to the microphone to make the news of Jesperi's selection official.
"Everything came so fast, because we'd just sat down and then the Draft started. I knew who was going first, then comes that second pick. We were only sitting there for like seven or eight minutes, and then comes Jesperi," recalled Mr. Kotkaniemi. "I was hoping that it would be that kind of organization, that they're going to take care of that boy. I know the Habs are a huge thing here, and it's a huge thing in this League. The first thing was "Wow! That's amazing! It's amazing that our son is going to be a part of that team.""

Just three months later, the 18-year-old Finn really was a part of the Habs, earning a roster spot out of training camp.
Like that special embrace in Texas, Mikael is at a loss to characterize the phone call he received from Jesperi to let him know the incredible news.
Admittedly, he remembers "nothing" from that long-distance chat confirming that his son would officially sport the colors of the winningest franchise in NHL history. It was just too good to process.
"When he left Finland and came to Rookie Camp and then there was that NHL camp, I didn't know what to expect, if he was coming back or what," said Mr. Kotkaniemi, who was still at the helm of Finnish Elite League squad Ässät Pori - where Jesperi played last season - when it came time for the young centerman to depart for Montreal in the summer. "He'd only been there for a few months and I'd been working every day. Coaches have full days. Everything happened so fast."

Watching from afar
In the weeks leading up to his first-ever visit to Montreal, Mikael did his best to watch as many games as possible from back home.
The seven-hour time difference and work commitments made that tough, but he did tune into his fair share of tilts and caught every highlight package possible.
One set of highlights, in particular, made him well up inside.
"I didn't see his first goal because I was sleeping. I woke up in the morning and my wife said that Jesperi made a goal. Not even one, that he made two goals against Washington. That was a very good moment to take morning coffee and see the highlights," said Mr. Kotkaniemi, of Jesperi's stellar performance against the defending Stanley Cup champions on November 1 at the Bell Centre. "It was close to a tear that came to my eye seeing that."

Mikael was also crying from laughter essentially when he saw images of Jesperi sporting the Game of Thrones cape in the locker room after being named the game's first star.
"I was laughing for almost 10 minutes," cracked Mr. Kotkaniemi. "That's a good thing. That's very nice."

Mikael also appreciated Jesperi's postgame interview on the ice alongside RDS color analyst, Marc Denis.
He was amazed at the degree to which his son's English skills have improved over such a short time period on Canadian soil.
"That's also a huge thing, because you have to do interviews in another language, and he didn't even talk English one-and-a-half years ago. He could only say his name," explained Mr. Kotkaniemi, referencing the memorable one-on-one exchange as the crowd applauded with delight. "Now, he's handling it like he's been here for 10 years. Every day, he's taking steps."

On-ice success
Jesperi has been taking significant strides in his game, as well, according to Mikael.
He was confident that the talented pivot would find a way to adapt to the North American game sooner rather than later.
"I know he's going to be o.k. He's that kind of kid where he's learning fast," praised Mr. Kotkaniemi. "When he was in Junior, he took big steps and then he came to our team, to the top league in Finland, and he took big steps there in a half a year. I know he can do the same thing here."
From what he's seen of Jesperi's play with the Habs so far this season, the veteran bench boss is seriously impressed.
"It looks like he's been playing in the League for a few years," said Mr. Kotkaniemi. "He's making winning decisions and winning passes, so I don't have to be worried."

No doubt Jesperi's easy-going nature has helped his transition, too, and made adapting to NHL life a little bit easier.
"He's not stressed. He's a very social guy. He likes to be in the middle of the people and talk and laugh. That is his style," explained Mr. Kotkaniemi, who is pleased to hear that the Canadiens' No. 15 - affectionately known as "KK" - has quickly fit in with his peers. "I've been talking every week with him and asking how he's doing and how things are going with his friends on the team. He said that everything is fine and his teammates are taking very good care of him."
So, what does Mikael think of his son's nickname?
"If they like to call him that, it's o.k.," said Mr. Kotkaniemi with a laugh. "Our last name in English [Kotka] is "Eagle" so I thought they were going to call him something like that. But, "KK" if fine."
Being in Montreal
Mikael took in four games at the Bell Centre before the Canadiens headed out on their current three-game road trip, which will conclude on Tuesday night in Minnesota.
While the first game he watched back on November 27 against the Carolina Hurricanes was somewhat nerve-racking, he hasn't let his emotions get the best of him since.
"It's nice to watch him, that he's still on the way to somewhere. Just keep his feet grounded and try to learn everything," said Mr. Kotkaniemi, who relishes the contests alongside his wife, Kati. "Now, it's time for other people to take care of him. I can watch and drink some cola and enjoy the game."

Mikael is also enthralled by the Bell Centre experience, soaking up every single second of his time at the rink.
"This is a very nice place. You can touch the passion. I enjoy every game when I'm here," said Mr. Kotkaniemi, now a devout Canadiens fan through and through. "We always hope that the Habs are winning. That's the first thing. If Jesperi's making something, that's extra special. But, the first thing I want is the Habs to do fine."
Back home in Pori, Mikael confirmed that the level of interest in his son's play - as well as the Canadiens' win-loss record - has risen significantly over the last few months.
"There are 80,000 people in our hometown. I think everybody knows what's happening in Montreal," affirmed Mr. Kotkaniemi.
Pure pride
Mr. Kotkaniemi is scheduled to return to Finland next Wednesday, so it's a fairly safe bet that he'll be on-site for the Canadiens' upcoming home games against Carolina, Ottawa and Boston.
When he does head to Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to make the long journey home, he can take comfort in the fact that Jesperi will only continue to develop and blossom with a club - and in a city - that already adores him.
"I'm very proud. The whole family is - his mom, his brother in Finland," concluded Mr. Kotkaniemi. "It's nice that he's doing well."