Flames Notebook: Can Kuzmenko and new top line play defence?

BOSTON – Who’s going to play defence?

No, that wasn’t something overheard on the ice here in Beantown, as Andrei Kuzmenko was introduced to new linemates Jonathan Huberdeau and Yegor Sharangovich Monday.

But it’s a legitimate question for a trio of gifted offensive players who have never been known for their contributions south of centre ice.

It could be a bit of an adventure.

And Ryan Huska knows it.

“It’s important that the messaging to all of our players - and Kuzy included - is there has to be a lot of pride in taking care of what we’re giving up,” the Flames coach told reporters following his team’s one and only post-break practice before Tuesday’s game against the Bruins. 

“So that’s an important thing for him and his linemates too.

“He has an offensive skill set we want to take advantage of, and he’s going to be put in situations where he can help us generate some offence.

“Like everybody else, he has to contribute to our team game.

“Now it’s about finding a place that fits for him.”

All three were brought to Calgary with an eye on filling key offensive roles – two as finishers with big shots and one as a playmaker.

Despite scoring 39 goals last season, Kuzmenko became expendable in Vancouver as new coach Rick Tocchet couldn’t seem to get the 28-year-old Russian engaged enough in certain areas. 

So, he was a key piece in last week’s trade to Calgary with a first-round pick, conditional fourth and two prospects for Elias Lindholm. 

Lindholm was counted on heavily to anchor his line defensively while playing with Huberdeau and Sharangovich.

It’s far too much to ask Sharangovich to shoulder the load for his line in his own zone, thus the reminder from the coach it’s a group effort.

After all, Sharangovich is a natural winger who will have a hard enough time trying to adjust to the added responsibilities of being a middle-man.

“He’s played centre in the NHL before and he had a small little test run with us at the beginning of the year when we had him on the fourth line,” said Huska, who knows there is no easy solution to filling the void left by Lindholm.

“He’s played a little bit in New Jersey before too. 

“That’s one thing that came into play for us, we wanted someone that was at least comfortable being in that position.

“We have other options that, at times, we’re going to use and work into that spot as well. But for now, we want that time to try to find a little bit of something and see if it’s something we can move forward with.”

Reality is, the coach had few other options, given his penchant to keep Nazem Kadri between Connor Zary, while also keeping Mikael Backlund’s tried and true trio together with Blake Coleman and Andrew Mangiapane.

So, while Huska and the Flames have long been a team trying to play to their strengths on the blue line and in goal, the new top line may just have to hope they can outscore their defensive deficiencies.

Or it will be disbursed in short order.

“I excited for this experience – it’s a new page for me,” said Kuzmenko, who has one year left on a deal paying the Russian $5.5 million this year and next, before he’ll become a free agent. 

“Players I play with, Sharangovich and Huberdeau… very good players and very high skill. We’ll see. For me, it’s very interesting how I’ll play in Calgary.”

Interesting indeed.

PELLETIER BATTLE TESTED

Shortly after seeing the scar from Jakob Pelletier’s autumn shoulder surgery, Andrew Mangiapane joked that he had PTSD just looking at it.

Mangiapane, and any hockey player who has had similar reconstruction done, can tell you how very real the fear is of taking your first hit upon your return: The one that tests the four-month recovery and rehab process in a split second.

Asked if he had such concerns as he prepped for his four-game stint with the Wranglers, Pelletier flashed the grin that was sorely missed in the Flames dressing room.

“I already had a big hit – I ran into Roons (teammate Chris Rooney) in practice,” chuckled Pelletier of a heavy collision that was twice as precarious, as Rooney had similar shoulder surgery the same week.

“We didn’t see each other, and ‘boom.’ I got up and looked at him and said ‘are you alright?’ and he asked me the same thing, and we both started laughing.”

Pelletier’s shoulder and conditioning will get the ultimate test as early as Tuesday in Boston where the 22-year-old could make his season debut following a preseason injury that saw him channel his inner Chris Snow while fighting his way back.

He was on the left side of the fourth line in Boston Monday when the team reconvened from the all-star break with Rooney and Cole Schwindt rotating up the middle and Walker Duehr on the right.  

Another newbie at practice was Brayden Pachal, a 24-year-old right-handed defenceman who was plucked off waivers by the Flames Sunday.

He skated with Oliver Kylington on the third pairing. 

LANNY ON THE MEND

Flames legend Lanny McDonald is recovering in hospital after having a cardiac event upon returning to the Calgary airport from the all-star game festivities in Toronto Sunday.

In an Instagram post, the 70-year-old sent out his gratitude to all those who helped him, including two nurses who were on their way to their own flight, saw him in distress and jumped into action to help him at the airport.   

“I owe them my life,” he wrote Monday.

“Further, to the incredible team of first responders from the Calgary Airport Police, Calgary Paramedics, Calgary Fire and WestJet, I wish I could thank you all personally, as I know there were so many involved.

“I am humbled to have been the recipient of their speed and expertise.

“Now here at the hospital, the amazing care continues, every nurse and doctor better than the next.”