Kotkaniemi scored a goal and added three hits in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Jets.
Kotkaniemi went nearly a full year between goals -- his last one prior to Saturday was Nov. 8, 2025 against the Sabres. The 26-year-old has gotten a chance to play regularly early in 2026-27, earning three points, five shots on net, 10 hits and four PIM over seven contests. He's still in a fourth-line role and will be prone to getting scratched once Seth Jarvis (shoulder) returns to the lineup.