Jesper Kotajarvi (D, L, 5’11”, 173, Tappara, 07/24/2007)
Jesper Kotajarvi is a fluid, intelligent, two-way defenseman who has shown the ability to log big minutes and contribute in all situations at the U20 junior level and Internationally for Team Finland, as well as hold his own in limited usage in the Liiga. Though undersized by NHL standards for defensemen, his elite processing, passing, edgework, and anticipation allow him to dictate pace and control transitions both ways. He brings value as a puck-moving, possession-driving defenseman with strong skating posture that will allow him to carry more weight and high-end decision-making under pressure.
Why Jesper Kotajarvi Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Elite Hockey IQ and Game Processing
Kotajarvi’s 2.2 loose puck recoveries after shots per game, 7 takeaways, and 89% pass completion at the U20 level show his elite anticipation and poise with the puck. He reads the layers to the forecheck, makes deceptive plays to freeze opposing forwards trapping them below the puck, and delivers accurate stretch and outlet passes in stride. At the Hlinka, he manipulated opposing F2/F3 forecheckers and created space with simple deception—we feel this is a player who processes the game at a pro level already. - Reliable All-Situations Defender at the U20 Level
He averages nearly 23 minutes per game with 3:02 of power play time and 2:06 of PK time. He was Finland’s second-most used defenseman at the Hlinka-Gretzky (24:50 ATOI), handling both special teams and top-pairing matchups. That trust speaks volumes. His ability to close space in transition, defend off the rush, and read plays to step up into passing lanes makes him a coach’s dream at the junior level. - Strong Skating Base and Lateral Mobility
Kotajarvi generates power through a strong, low skating base. He moves well laterally along the blue line and has no issue defending skilled attackers on the rush or in defensive zone coverage. While his 0.78 hard hits per game won’t scare anyone, his 54% 50/50 puck battle win rate and balance on his edges allow him to separate players from pucks without overcommitting or taking penalties. - Transitional Efficiency and First Touch Ability
With 0.65 passes per game leading to Grade A chances, Kotajarvi pushes play efficiently. His ability to make crisp, flat passes out of defensive transition and his poise on breakouts are both top tier. He’s equally effective playing the off side and shows soft touch on both the forehand and backhand.
Why Jesper Kotajarvi Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Undersized for a Pro-Level Defenseman
At 5’11”, 175 lbs, Kotajarvi is below the NHL average for defensemen. While not disqualifying, it’s worth noting he is neither particularly physical (0.78 hits per game) nor intimidating defensively. In the Liiga, he was used for under 9 minutes a night, almost exclusively at 5-on-5, and didn’t record a hits or generate any takeaways that truly impacted the game—this tells us he has a long way to go in adapting to the pro pace and physicality. - Shot Selection and Offensive Threat Level
Despite firing 7 shot attempts per game in U20, 1.68 of them were blocked and 1.73 missed the net. That’s over 47% of shots that never threaten the goalie. He telegraphs his shot and needs to work on disguising release points and adding variation to his shooting angles. With only 0.35 Grade A scoring chances per game, he’s not yet a true offensive weapon, despite quarterbacking the PP. - Turnover Volume Needs Tightening
His 7 giveaways per game at U20 is concerning for a player who handles the puck as much as he does. While some of that comes with usage and confidence, he does at times over-handle pucks at the blue line or make one pass too many under pressure. - Physicality and Penalty Draw Rate
Kotajarvi’s lack of engagement physically may limit his ability to win battles at the pro level. He averages only 0.44 penalties drawn per game despite heavy ice time, suggesting he’s not putting opponents in positions where they have to defend him aggressively. This could become a limiting factor as he climbs levels and a bigger defender could simply play the same minutes but defender better by taking up more ice.
Projection and Recommendation:
Draft Range: 3rd Round
NHL Projection: Puck-moving defenseman with second-unit power play usage and strong transition upside
Comparable: Matt Grzelcyk
Final Take:
Jesper Kotajarvi is a highly intelligent, smooth-skating defenseman who plays with poise and efficiency far beyond his age. He is trusted in all situations at the junior level and has begun to get exposure in the top Finnish pro league. While his frame, shot threat, and lack of physicality raise concerns about his NHL projection, the tools—particularly his game processing, stick detail, and passing execution—are strong enough to warrant a mid-round selection.
Recommendation: We feel Kotajarvi should be drafted in the 3rd by a developmentally patient team that prioritizes mobility, puck distribution, and hockey IQ from its backend. He may never be a top-pair defender, but he has legitimate upside as a dependable transition driver and puck mover at the NHL level.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images