Scout's Analysis: Exploring Andrei Kuzmenko's strengths and weaknesses

Had the Vancouver Canucks' Andrei Kuzmenko been a few months younger, he would surely have won the Calder Trophy last season.

Arriving to the NHL at the age of 26, born seven months too early to qualify as a rookie, Kuzmenko delivered a 39-goal, 74-point season that raised expectations in Year 2. But that goal production at least also came with an unusually high 27.6 shooting percentage that suggested he'd be hard-pressed to match the total as a sophomore.

"He's a good player. He is a capable player. Is he a guy that's going to score 40 goals again? Maybe not. But certainly, the way he plays, you should be able to project him at 25," Canucks president Jim Rutherford told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre on Monday.

Through 28 Canucks games, Kuzmenko has dressed 25 times and twice been a healthy scratch. He's scored just four goals on 10.5 per cent shooting, has just one in the past month and lately has been relegated to the fourth line, though still holds a place on the Canucks' top power-play unit.

His ice time has dwindled and he logged just 10:36 in the most recent game — a win over Carolina on Saturday — less than seven minutes of which came at even-strength.

Head coach Rick Tocchet has spoken about how he thinks Kuzmenko needs to "play a little harder," especially on the forecheck, but noted he's a player who "wants to get better."

All of this has kicked up trade rumours.

"As you can imagine, there are some conversations around him. Other teams have called Vancouver," Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday on Hockey Night in Canada. "They know the Canucks are always looking to clear cap room, so we'll see how that develops over time."

In January, midway through his 39-goal season, Kuzmenko signed a two-year extension in Vancouver that came with a $5.5-million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause.

Rutherford said he believed in the staff he has in place to work with Kuzmenko, but intended to keep all options open on the player.

“Well, we'll keep an open mind," he told MacIntyre. "I don't want to just lock ourselves into one answer. But we need to continue to try to help him.”

With the Canucks hosting Tampa Bay and Florida this week, then travelling to Minnesota Saturday night, the Kuzmenko situation is worth monitoring. Can he move back up the lineup? Will he maintain his hold on a PP1 spot, or will that opportunity slip away too? Where does this situation go next?

For a closer look at Kuzmenko the player, his strengths and weaknesses, we turn to our scout Jason Bukala:

SCOUT'S ANALYSIS

I recognize the Canucks want to play to an identity as a team. The coaching staff expects the entire group to track up and down the ice and compete harder than their opponent every shift. Some players are expected to produce offence, while others are tasked with shutting down top lines.

I'm curious what the Canucks expected from Kuzmenko, who has historically been a streaky scorer. He’s never played a power game. He’s also never killed penalties or identified as a forward who is fully committed, on and off the puck, defensively.

He has at times been a power-play specialist. He does his best work from between the face-off dots and below the hash marks in the offensive zone. And his stats this season aren’t horrible. They have fallen off from last year, sure, but based on his history, that was bound to happen.

He has the potential to bounce back and play more to his identity, but he lacks confidence right now. There's been nothing crisp with his handling of the puck. He’s having pucks slide off his blade in high-danger scoring areas and he’s trying to make an extra play instead or ripping the puck on net.

The Canucks signed Kuzmenko to his extension based on what they saw at the KHL level, and how he was building up a 39-goal, 35-assist first season.

My advice would be for the Canucks to be careful what they ask for. Kuzmenko’s element is hard to find. Sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

To emphasize what I’m trying to describe, here’s a look back at a couple of my scouting reports on Kuzmenko before he signed with the Canucks:

April 2, 2022: KHL Playoffs with CSKA St. Petersburg
Scouted Position: LW

Up-to-date statistics as of the end of April 2002: 24 goals, 36 assists, 60 points, 1,421 in-season shifts, 219 shots on goal, averaged 17:31 time on ice per game at even-strength, power play, four-on-four. Does not PK.

Overall output nearly doubled year over year. Potential top-six NHL forward. Pure offence.

Fantastic vision on the PP. Makes plays below the goal line and around the crease. Quick release. Great puck touch in tight quarters/traffic.

Has the ability to play fast, but picks his spots. Rarely pushes back physically. Does not bring a power element with his game.

Three-zone detail and effort off the puck will need improvement. Team that signs him is banking on offence.

Dec. 10, 2021: 2021-22 KHL regular season with St. Petersburg
Scouted Position: LW

A high-end offensive talent playing in the KHL. Free agent.

He had averaged 0.65 points per game coming into this season, but has now spiked to 1.15 PPG.

Ability to play quick and fast. Picks his spots. Three-zone effort will likely always range.

On the PP, he makes crafty plays from below the goal line before moving net-front for tips and rebounds.

Sturdy build. He can absorb contact and handle weight. Plenty strong, but not a power forward. Doesn’t punish opponents to make plays.

There is absolutely no question he has the ability to produce offence at the NHL level. Potential top-six forward who will be used at even-strength, power play, four-on-four and in OT.