Amid the high expectations set by a previous 74-point season, Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko is confronting a challenging phase in his NHL career. Despite securing a lucrative two-year contract worth $11 million, Kuzmenko's production has seen a significant downturn, with a modest tally of 15 points—four goals and 11 assists—in 21 games. This slump in form has led to him being a healthy scratch twice, signaling that adjustments are needed for the Russian athlete to regain his top form.
Injury Concerns
The situation has been compounded by a recent facial injury, which occurred when a deflected shot from teammate JT Miller struck Kuzmenko during a game against the New York Islanders. The incident has necessitated a cautious approach from the team's medical staff, sidelining Kuzmenko temporarily. However, he is expected to make a return to the lineup shortly, aiming to contribute more significantly to the team's efforts.
A Glimmer of Hope
In a recent matchup at Rogers Arena against the Vegas Golden Knights, Kuzmenko managed to score a goal, albeit in a 4-1 defeat. The play unfolded as Miller seized a loose puck, drove towards the net, and delivered a pass to Kuzmenko, who fired a wrist shot past goaltender Logan Thompson. Despite this moment of individual brilliance, Kuzmenko remained self-critical, emphasizing the need for team success over personal accolades. "It doesn't matter if I scored ... it doesn't matter if my score doesn't help the team," he remarked postgame. "I need to be better, this I understand. That's why I haven't played (as much) this season."
While Kuzmenko grapples with his form, his linemates have also faced their own battles. Elias Pettersson, centering the top line, has amassed 30 points with nine goals and 21 assists, outperforming Kuzmenko in the point department. Meanwhile, right winger Ilya Mikheyev has contributed 12 points through seven goals and five assists, reflecting a collective need for increased output from the Canucks' first line.
Coach's Perspective
Rick Tocchet, the head coach for the Canucks, has not shied away from expressing his expectations for Kuzmenko. Describing the winger's season performance as merely "OK," Tocchet has urged Kuzmenko to "play a little harder." Such comments followed the decision to bench Kuzmenko for consecutive games against the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks in late November, a move intended to serve as a reset for the struggling player.
Tocchet has detailed the areas requiring improvement: heightened intensity in puck battles along the boards and a quicker defensive response 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."
Despite the setbacks, Kuzmenko's third-period performance against the Golden Knights did earn him some praise from Tocchet, who noted his focused play. "If you watch his shifts in the third, he was going A to B," said Tocchet. "He wasn’t zigzagging, backward skating defending; he was going forward." This acknowledgment suggests that while there is work to be done, Kuzmenko is capable of meeting the high standards set by the coaching staff.
Player's Outlook
Kuzmenko himself is acutely aware of the high expectations placed upon him and remains hopeful for an upturn in his fortunes. He acknowledges the statistical concern regarding his current four-goal performance this year and is determined to maintain focus on contributing to the team's success. Moreover, he has brushed aside any suggestions that his mental fortitude has waned during the extended goal drought experienced throughout November. "What interesting questions about mentality. It’s an interesting moment for mentality, for personality, for me," Kuzmenko commented with a smile. "It’s simple with the hard work mentality, work in the gym, it’s simple."
As the Canucks look ahead to their next game against the Calgary Flames on Saturday, Kuzmenko is poised to build on his recent goal-scoring performance. With the encouragement of his coach and a clear understanding of the expectations laid before him, the stage is set for Kuzmenko to rekindle the form that once made him a standout player in the league.