For the first time this season, Kuzmenko will be a healthy scratch. After scoring 74 points (39G / 35A) in 81 games in his rookie season in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks, Kuzmenko has failed to find that same scoring touch. The 28-year-old has nine points (1G / 8A) in 25 games this season and has been held off the scoresheet in nine straight.
Kuzmenko is on his way to Calgary as the key piece to the trade for Elias Lindholm after struggling to live up to the 39-goal season he posted as a rookie. Kuzmenko reportedly had to waive a no-trade clause in order to facilitate the deal, as the Flames were said to be on his 12-team no-trade list. The 27-year-old should be in line for a bigger role in Calgary after struggling to secure minutes in Vancouver's top-six this season. Kuzmenko scored eight goals and added 13 assists in 43 games for the Canucks this season while playing less than 15 minutes a night.
It's the fifth time this season the Canucks have made Kuzmenko a healthy scratch, who has fallen a long way from his 39-goal season a year ago. He has eight goals and 11 assists in 32 games this season.
After being a healthy scratch at the end of November, Kuzmenko played 10 consecutive games but will again be a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. In those 10 games, Kuzmenko has three points (3G / 0A) and is averaging only 13:53 time-on-ice, a significant drop from the 15:24 he was averaging in the 19 games leading up to then.
Kuzmenko has been a surprise healthy scratch for the Canucks' previous two games but will draw back into the lineup Tuesday as they take on Anaheim. The 27-year-old sophomore was sent to the press box after putting up three goals, 11 assists, 28 SOG, and a +1 plus/minus in 19 games to start the 2023-24 season.
Kuzmenko has seen extended time on the Canucks top powerplay unit this season while playing primarily alongside Elias Pettersson at even strength. In 19 games this season, Kuzmenko has 14 points (3G / 11A) while averaging 15:24 time-on-ice. However, in his most recent contest, Kuzmenko registered a -3 plus/minus, failing to score a point while playing only 14:33. His top-line role will likely be filled by Sam Lafferty, who is expected to slide up the lineup.
Kuzmenko exited the game in the third period in obvious discomfort on Wednesday after taking a puck to the face against the New York Islanders and did not play Thursday vs. Calgary. The second-year NHLer has picked up where he left off the 2022-23 campaign, being consistent all season, potting 14 points (3G / 11A) in 16 games.
Kuzmenko exited the game in the third period in obvious discomfort on Wednesday after taking a puck to the face against the New York Islanders and will miss Thursday vs. Calgary. The second-year NHLer has picked up where he left off the 2022-23 campaign, being consistent all season, potting 14 points (3G / 11A) in 16 games.
Kuzmenko exited the game in the third period in obvious discomfort on Wednesday after taking a puck to the face against the New York Islanders. The second-year NHLer has picked up where he left off the 2022-23 campaign, being consistent all season, potting 14 points (3G / 11A) in 16 games.
Kuzmenko signed a one-year deal with the Canucks in the offseason after seven season in the KHL. In his first season in North America, Kuzmenko has scored 21 goals with 22 assists (43 points) in 47 games, playing primarily on a line with Elias Pettersson.
