VANCOUVER — Kirill Kudryavtsev is making his case in Vancouver Canucks training camp, four years after the club selected the 22-year-old defenceman 208th overall in the 2022 draft. Now a Calder Cup winner entering his third pro campaign, Kudryavtsev has already suited up five times for Vancouver and is pushing for a spot on the opening-night roster after a strong start to the preseason that included leading the team in ice time in its first exhibition game.
Kudryavtsev appeared in three NHL games last season and recorded his first two career assists — April 12 against the Anaheim Ducks and two days later against the Los Angeles Kings. "That goal was for the last two years," said Kudryavtsev. "The main goal is just to make the team. It doesn't matter what time. It can be the opening night, or it can be February. Honestly, if I just get myself a spot on the team, that's the ultimate goal that I'm trying to achieve there." He described breaking through on the scoresheet as a release: "It's very exciting. Obviously, there is still a goal up ahead that I have to score, but to get the first point, it's just very nice. It lifts off lots of pressure."
Last season also brought the toughest stretch of his young career, a significant injury that sidelined him for two months away from the team. "I've never had an injury like that before," Kudryavtsev said. "It was dark times. It's really lonely. When the boys go on the road, you have to stay alone. Maybe you get like one or two other extra guys who are recovering with you. But it's really dark times. It gets in your head." He said the rehab affected his day-to-day life and kept him watching teammates battle while isolated, an experience he does not want to repeat but one that made him stronger and deepened his appreciation for being healthy at the rink every day.
Since joining the AHL, Kudryavtsev has played exclusively for Manny Malhotra, now Vancouver's new head coach, and credited him for growth on and off the ice. "A great coach, amazing human being. He's very smart," Kudryavtsev said. "He's always there for you if you need anything hockey-wise, off-ice stuff. He's there. He always helps you." To earn a full-time role, Kudryavtsev said he focused this offseason on improving his shot from the blue line to force more respect and open passing seams, along with overall skill and conditioning work.