Andrei Kuzmenko, the Vancouver Canucks winger, is confronting a season that's proving to be more challenging than the last. After securing a lucrative two-year contract worth $11 million on the back of an impressive 74-point campaign, Kuzmenko's current output has notably diminished. With just 15 points, comprising four goals and 11 assists over 21 games, he has found himself benched as a healthy scratch twice, signaling a need for improvement in his game.
Kuzmenko's recent stint away from the ice was not entirely due to performance issues but also because of a facial injury sustained during Wednesday’s game against the New York Islanders. The injury occurred when a shot from teammate JT Miller deflected off his face, prompting the team to exercise caution by keeping him out of the lineup. However, the Russian forward is expected to make a return shortly.
Signs of Resilience
In the face of these setbacks, Kuzmenko showed signs of resilience. During Thursday's matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena, he managed to score a goal despite the team's 4-1 loss. The play unfolded as Miller seized a loose puck, drove towards the net, and delivered a pass to Kuzmenko, who then fired a wrist shot past Vegas goaltender Logan Thompson. Despite this moment of individual brilliance, Kuzmenko remained team-focused in his post-game remarks.
"It doesn’t matter if I scored … it doesn’t matter if my score doesn’t help the team," Kuzmenko reflected after the game. "I need to be better, this I understand. That’s why I haven’t played (as much) this season."
The Canucks' top line, which includes Kuzmenko, Ilia Mikheyev, and Elias Pettersson, has not been performing to expectations. They have been overshadowed by their second-line counterparts in terms of scoring and overall play during the first quarter of the NHL season. While Pettersson has racked up 30 points with nine goals and 21 assists, Mikheyev has contributed 12 points through seven goals and five assists.
Coach Tocchet's Expectations
Rick Tocchet, the head coach of the Canucks, has made it clear that he expects more from Kuzmenko. Describing the winger's season performance as "OK," Tocchet has emphasized the need for Kuzmenko to "play a little harder." This sentiment led to Kuzmenko being benched for consecutive games against the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks in late November.
"He’s got to get his game a little bit more sharpened up," Tocchet stated on November 27. "It’s not about last year, it’s about this year for us. And he’s a guy that needed a reset."
The coach has laid out specific areas where he expects Kuzmenko to improve: intensifying his engagement in puck battles along the boards and reacting more swiftly on defense in the neutral zone. Tocchet values these aspects highly, stressing that they are fundamental to the team's ethos. "The little things matter. That’s part of our staples and he has to understand that’s the Bible for us around here," Tocchet explained.
Tocchet acknowledged Kuzmenko's focused play in the third period of Thursday's game, noting that he moved directly from point A to B without unnecessary detours, indicating a more purposeful style of play.
Kuzmenko's Outlook
For his part, Kuzmenko is keenly aware of the high standards set by his coach and is intent on meeting them. He acknowledges the statistical slump, especially his four-goal tally this year, and remains committed to contributing positively to the team’s efforts.
Addressing queries about his mental state amidst the prolonged goal drought that lasted nearly the entire month of November, Kuzmenko responded with a measure of humor and clarity. "What interesting questions about mentality. It’s an interesting moment for mentality, for personality, for me," he said with a smile. "It’s simple with the hard work mentality, work in the gym, it’s simple."
With a focus on continuous improvement, Kuzmenko is looking to build on his latest performance as the Canucks prepare to face the Calgary Flames on Saturday. His commitment to refining his game and adhering to the coach's directives suggests a determination to turn his season around and fulfill the potential that earned him his current contract.