Canadiens' Julien: 'Hard to not see' Kotkaniemi on roster

It looks as though Montreal Canadiens prospect Jesperi Kotkaniemi has made quite an impression on head coach Claude Julien in his first NHL training camp.

Following the club's 5-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night, Julien discussed where the 18-year-old stands with just one preseason game remaining.

"It's pretty hard to not see him on our roster," Julien said, according to TSN's John Lu.

Clause Julien doubles down in English, basically saying management has a say but if it's up to him Kotkaniemi is staying.

- Eric Engels (@EricEngels) September 27, 2018

When asked postgame if he thought he had earned a spot on the roster, Kotkaniemi remained modest.

"It's hard to say anything about that, but I've given everything I've got every night, so we'll see what happens," the 18-year-old said.

Kotkaniemi was plucked with the third overall selection in June's draft.

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