Andrei Kuzmenko, the Vancouver Canucks winger, is no stranger to the ebbs and flows that define an NHL season. After a breakout year that saw him rack up an impressive 74 points, Kuzmenko inked a lucrative two-year deal worth $11 million. However, this season poses new challenges for the Russian athlete, whose production has notably dipped.
Twenty-one games into the season, Kuzmenko has tallied just 15 points, comprising four goals and 11 assists. This downturn in productivity has led to him being benched as a healthy scratch on two occasions. Compounding his on-ice struggles, Kuzmenko is also contending with a facial injury sustained from a deflected shot by teammate JT Miller during a recent clash with the New York Islanders. The incident has temporarily sidelined him, but expectations are high for his imminent return to the lineup.
A Lone Bright Spot
In a recent outing against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena, Kuzmenko found the back of the net, contributing a solitary goal in a disappointing 4-1 defeat. The play unfolded as Miller pounced on a loose puck, driving towards the net before serving up a pass to Kuzmenko, who then fired a wrist shot past Vegas goalie Logan Thompson. Despite this individual success, Kuzmenko's focus remained team-centric. "It doesn't matter if I scored... it doesn't matter if my score doesn't help the team," he remarked post-game. "I need to be better, this I understand. That’s why I haven’t played (as much) this season."
The Canucks' top line, featuring Kuzmenko, Ilia Mikheyev, and Elias Pettersson, has been overshadowed by their second-line counterparts in terms of both scoring and overall impact. While Pettersson has amassed 30 points, leading with nine goals and 21 assists, Mikheyev has contributed a modest 12 points through seven goals and five assists.
Coach Tocchet's Assessment
Rick Tocchet, head coach of the Canucks, has made his expectations clear: he wants more from Kuzmenko. Describing the winger's season performance as "OK," Tocchet has called for greater effort and engagement on the ice. The coach's decision to bench Kuzmenko for back-to-back games against the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks in late November was indicative of his desire for the player to "reset."
"He’s got to get his game a little bit more sharpened up," Tocchet insisted on November 27. The coach has detailed specific areas for improvement, urging Kuzmenko to intensify his engagement in puck battles along the boards and to quicken his defensive transitions in the neutral zone.
"Those are the little things that I value around here. It’s not about just scoring goals. Goal scorers are going to go through slumps," Tocchet explained. "The little things matter. That’s part of our staples and he has to understand that’s the Bible for us around here."
Tocchet acknowledged Kuzmenko's efforts in the third period of the game against the Golden Knights, noting the winger's direct approach. "If you watch his shifts in the third, he was going A to B," Tocchet said. "He wasn’t zigzagging, backward skating defending; he was going forward."
Kuzmenko's Outlook
Kuzmenko himself is acutely aware of the heightened expectations placed upon him. He acknowledges the statistical slump, particularly the prolonged goal drought throughout November, yet remains committed to contributing to the team's success. When questioned about the mental toll of his scoring struggles, Kuzmenko offered a smile and a glimpse into his mindset. "What interesting questions about mentality. It’s an interesting moment for mentality, for personality, for me," he said. "It’s simple with the hard work mentality, work in the gym, it’s simple."
With his sights set on the upcoming game against the Calgary Flames, Kuzmenko is determined to build upon his latest performance. His resolve to improve and adapt underlines a professional ethos that could very well steer his season back on course. As the Canucks continue their campaign, all eyes will be on number 96, watching to see if he can recapture the form that once made him one of the league's most talked-about talents.