Canucks Daily: Kuzmenko’s Hot Start, D-Man Ready for Trade

He wasn’t too happy about blowing a two-goal lead, but Canucks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau couldn’t have been too unhappy about the play of Andrei Kuzmenko in his second preseason game for Vancouver. The Russian winger followed up his one assist, three shots-on-goal effort against the Calgary Flames on Sunday night with a two goal, one assist, four shots-on-goal performance Thursday night against the Seattle Kraken. He’s averaged 19-minutes in ice time over the two games.

“I hope it brings him confidence,” Boudreau said postgame Thursday, “I mean, he could have had two or three more, he’s always in a position to put the puck in the net, so that’s good.”

Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes, who found Kuzmenko with a cross-ice saucer pass in the first period for Vancouver’s first goal, raved about the club’s new forward.

“It’s exciting when you add pieces like him because he’s very talented, he works hard, and I could see him having a really good year and helping us this year,” Hughes said. “Great shot, great hands, hockey sense, he pretty much has it all and he competes too.”

More from “Huggy” and the offence coming up later this morning, but right now, it’s the NHL morning skate …

Pacific Division

Vegas Hockey Now: Owen Krepps writes about how far each member of the Golden Knights has progressed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Soon to be “Iron Man” Phil Kessel would have to be high on that list. There’s a couple of very successful D-men you may have forgotten about as well. Have a read about the Vegas Golden Knights.

Calgary Hockey Now: Perhaps it’s no surprise. Reliable veteran D-man Michael Stone is again thriving on a PTO with the Calgary Flames. He had the game winning goal against the Canucks at Rogers Arena on Sunday night.

Trade Market

TSN: Jakob Chychrun wants out of Glendale. Or is it Phoenix? Tempe? Whichever, are the Arizona Coyotes finally softening on their asking price? The versatile 24-year-old lefty has three years left on his deal.

See you soon, but don’t forget to have a Fantastic Weekend!