LOS ANGELES – Coaches love to say that when a player is a healthy scratch, getting a chance to watch the game from the press box can be an opportunity for that player to get a different perspective on the game.



Maybe they can see they have a lot more time with the puck than they think they do. Or the importance of providing proper support to the puck carrier. Or passing lanes that are obvious from that height but less so while battling on the ice.



Jesperi Kotkaniemi was a healthy scratch for the first time of his young NHL career Tuesday. It gave him an opportunity to maybe see something far more profound than forechecking schemes and openings on the power play.



Should Kotkaniemi choose to see it, he was given an opportunity to see what might be his future self.



Kotkaniemi’s rookie season in the NHL has put his tremendous gifts on display for the hockey world to appreciate. His poise with the puck, his ability to find teammates with a...