JesperKotajärvi – 2025 NHL Prospect Prospect Chorp – Hockey Writer – NHL Admission Draft

admin May 18, 2025

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Jesper Kotajärvi

2024-25 Team: Tappara (Liiga)
Date of birth: July 24, 2007
Place of birth: Kokola, Finland
HT: 6 feet WT: 181 lbs
Shooting: Left
Location: d
NHL Draft Position: Qualified in 2025

Ranking

NHL Central Scout: No. 32 (EU Skater)
FC Hockey: 183rd

Jesper Kotajärvi is considered one of the best Finnish prospects in this year's draft, although the Scouts also see it as a relatively weak year in Finland. He is a strong skater who almost always holds his head and uses forward momentum to generate speed and strength. He demonstrates the excellent handling and sport of the hockey, using the former to generate regional entries and the latter when the hockey approaches the blue line. His high hockey IQ allows him to carry and pass the puck to the necessary spots on the ice. Unfortunately, this keen mind doesn't always apply to his lens. Although he has a capable and accurate winner, he occasionally forces traffic shots without getting them into the network, which is why his score count isn't a great part of the way, even by defenders' standards. As he grows, he needs to improve his shooting options.

Jesper Kotajarvi, Finland (Photo source: Pasi Mennander)

Defensively, Kotajärvi is proficient in both hockey and hockey. He is not afraid to challenge the players and close opportunities when the transition is challenged. He put the stick on the puck, broke the game and got rid of the relative rushing. His reading of the game allowed him to anticipate the pass and closed the pass lane, which made him a beneficial defender for free throw kills. On the other hand, he has the ability to be more physical. He doesn't hit it often, which makes him less threatening to opposing the striker. This lack of physical weakness sometimes leads to him losing to the puck or being beaten in front of the net while defending, occasionally hesitating to participate in the hockey battle. Given that he is a bit inadequate with the body shape of the defender, a more physical style may be caught off guard.

Related: THW's 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Even in the early stages of his career, Kotajärvi showed his ability to improve his game in the playoffs. His total score has always been higher than the regular season in the playoffs, and he has performed well in several international games with Finland. His maturity in these high-stakes games and his overall potential may make him appealing to the team.

Other draft information

Jesper Kotajärvi – NHL draft projection

Kotajärvi's draft position depends on how much risk the team is willing to take. If the front desk likes his potential, he can delay in the third round. On the other hand, if the team is shocked by the amount of development he still has to do, he could fall to the fifth or sixth round.

quotation marks

“Kotajärvi's game is centered around his great skating. He has a beautiful technique as he uses his strides effectively which allows him to make quick turns and open up his hips to find new passing lanes. The great skating combined with his hockey smarts allows him to be effective in all three zones of the ice, whether he's blocking passing lanes, walking the offensive blueline, or carrying the puck himself in the neutral zone.” – Anni Karvinen, Dobber's prospects

“Kotajarvi is a smart, moving defensive player who can play many minutes if needed…I don't think he's going to outperform the draft pick in the rear wheel unless he figures out how to use his speed to play his strengths more stably.” – Steven Ellis, daily confrontation

Advantages

Skating Strength
Hockey and hockey
Defensive expectations
Defensive stick work

Under construction – Improvement

Lens selection
Body

NHL Potential

If he can transition to North America, Kotajärvi could be the second-couple defender who can play in the team's free throw kills and possible second power play. For him, a successful career looks a bit like Matt Grzelcyk, a defensive Blueliner who won't score goals but can provide a considerable assist.

Risk and Reward Analysis

Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 4/10, Defense – 7/10