Jesper Kotkaniemi undergoes knee surgery; will be ready for training camp

The Montreal Canadiens announced Wednesday that forward Jesper Kotkaniemi will underwent knee surgery earlier in the week to repair a ‘minor’ injury in his left knee.

He is expected to recover in time to resume off-season training, and be fully healthy for preseason in September.

“With regards to Jesperi, it was a chronic, minor injury that did not stop him from playing this past season. Jesperi will remain in Montreal for the coming weeks to complete his rehabilitation program with our team’s medical staff. We have been told by our medical group that there should be no delay in starting his off-season training” said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

The 18-year old, who was selected third overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, posted 11 goals, 23 assists and a plus-1 rating in his rookie season in 2018/19.