Youngsters helping youngsters

MONTREAL - It was just 12 months ago that Victor Mete was in the same position that Jesperi Kotkaniemi finds himself in right now.

On the cusp of securing a roster spot with the Canadiens at a young age, that is.
While Mete was 19 years old when he forced the hand of the Habs' brass to keep him with the big club out of training camp last season, Kotkaniemi might just accomplish that feat at 18 years of age.

Head coach Claude Julien wasn't prepared to confirm the news during his postgame press conference on Wednesday night, but it could become reality over the weekend after the Habs close out their preseason calendar against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.
If anybody in the Canadiens' locker room knows what might be running through Kotkaniemi's head right now, it's most definitely Mete. And, the 20-year-old defenseman is prepared to help him in any way he can going forward.
"I think if he needs to talk to someone, he knows I'm there. I roomed with him at the Rookie Orientation this year before the season started, so I got to know him there a bit," mentioned Mete, following the loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. "If he has any questions, he knows to feel free and come and ask me. I'm the youngest guy closest to his age, so he probably feels most comfortable talking to me."

Unlike Mete, who has always played on North American ice, Kotkaniemi has been tasked with adapting his game to an entirely new rink - which isn't easy by any means, of course.
From Mete's vantage point on the back end, though, the Finnish phenom has responded to the switch with flying colors.
"Playing internationally, he's a really good skater. He's used to freewheeling a lot on the international ice. Here, it's a little bit smaller, so you kind of have to have your play ready sooner," explained the Woodbridge, ON native. "But, I think so far he's handled himself really well. He looks great out there, so I think if he can keep it up, he'll be successful."

Based on the way Kotkaniemi has performed through five preseason outings, Mete is convinced the highly-skilled centerman can do just that.
"I think he's calm and relaxed with the puck. So far, it always looks like he's making the right plays. He's got good poise with the puck, and I think he's got a really good shot," praised Mete. "I think if he keeps it up, he can be a big impact on this roster."