Canadiens decline to match Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet

The Montreal Canadiens have declined to match an offer sheet signed by restricted free-agent center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, making him officially a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.

It's the first time a player has switched teams through an offer sheet since 2007, when Dustin Penner joined the Edmonton Oilers. His previous team, the Anaheim Ducks, received three draft picks in compensation.

By declining to match the one-ye