ANAHEIM — Yan Kuznetsov doesn’t feel like one of the Flames’ young guys.
Even though at the age of 24, he certainly qualifies.
But it’s that maturity, that poise, that’s allowed Kuznetsov to step into important roles all season long, and step back into the lineup this week without missing a beat.
“It’s a pretty electric arena to play the first game after an injury, but it was awesome,” the defenceman said of returning to the Calgary lineup Thursday in Las Vegas after missing eight games. “I felt pretty good and just tried to do my best to help my team be better on the ice, since they did such a good job on the on the homestead.
“I gotta come in and show that I belong.”
Kuznetsov has belonged, alright.
Forget the fact he finished +2 in that 6-3 loss to the Golden Knights, or that he’s amassed a respectable four goals and 12 points over the first 54 games of his NHL career.
Or even that he’s averaging 20-plus minutes of ice-time this season: first on a pairing with MacKenzie Weegar, tonight, as the elder statesman on a tandem with fellow rookie Zayne Parekh.
Kuznetsov chalks up his ascent to heeding advice from the coaching conversations he’s had both here in the NHL and along the way.
“Since the time I got drafted, and it's been a long learning process, they were telling me that there's a certain way you have to play, to be successful,” the Russian rearguard explained. “I think it rubbed off on me, and now I understand the way I have to play.
“I try to play to my identity every night - not deviate from this - and I think that's what helps me to have some success here.”
“He’s a steadying influence, I would say,” Head Coach Ryan Huska added Saturday morning. “Don’t really notice him, good or bad, and that’s really what he is. Plays a simple game, he knows who he is as a player, and I think he makes it easy for a guy to play with as well. He’s a little bit like a Joel Hanley where typically, you know what he’s going to be doing on the ice, and he has a really good understanding of what he is as a defenceman.
“His speed, his size of course really helps us on the back end. He’s a mature young guy, if that makes any sense.”
The addition of forward Aydar Suniev means Kuznetsov now has two countrymen to share his experiences with, as this six-game road trip continues.
Suniev was recalled from the AHL’s Wranglers Friday, and along with fellow winger Matvei Gridin, the trio can share a common language on and off the ice, too.
And while Kuznetsov is the oldest of the three, he sees maturity in his peers, too.
Even if guys like Gridin show their poise a bit differently.
“With Griddy, I don't think you really needs mentorship. He’s responsible, mature in his own way,” Kuznetsov grinned. “With Aydar, he's also pretty professional. Back with the Wranglers. I don't think he really needed much guidance, to be honest.
“It’s awesome to have Russian-speaking guys in here and spend some time with them. But in regards of seeking care, and like guiding them, I don't think they really need that.
“It just speaks to their maturity that they don't really need that stuff.”
