The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi are close on a contract extension, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston.

Johnston notes that since it is expected to be an eight-year deal, it cannot be completed until after the March 21 trade deadline.

The Athletic's Andy Strickland reported Friday that the deal could carry an average annual value of between $4.25 million and $4.5 million.