W Nikita Kucherov (2011, 58th overall, Tampa Bay)

[42]

Looks like he really has hit that rookie wall. He's been scratched frequently lately. Why not send him down to work on his game instead of watching from the press box?

 

[The Macho King]

I think they still like what he brings - he's just squeezing the stick a bit. Maybe they think he'll get more from practicing with the team than going down to 'Cuse.

 

[LTIR Trickery]

His play away from the puck has deteriorated just a little, which isn't unexpected of a kid who isn't used to the rigors of an (almost) full season. Giving him a few nights off to go over video and rest up will help.

 

[HoseEmDown]

The only thing I can think of is that the AHL season is already a waste as the Crunch are not gonna make the playoffs so they prefer him to work with the NHL coaches more. I would personally send him down to get 20+ minutes a game but I trust the organization knows what it's doing.

 

[LaVar]

NHL next season?

 

[The Macho King]

NHL next season?

Maybe - our logjam at wing may have gotten worse, though. It may come down to him being waiver eligible and other guys not being.

 

[Caser]

In his last game as a prospect (according to HF criteria) Kucherov scores his first NHL hat-trick What a way to graduate

 

[Woodhouse]

62 NHL GP actually, so the Kucherov thread here has a few more days of life. Anyway, here's his hat trick from last night:

[NHL]656147[/NHL]

 

[Caser]

62 NHL GP actually, so the Kucherov thread here has a few more days of life.

I thought Play-off games also count or am I wrong?

 

[Woodhouse]

I thought Play-off games also count or am I wrong?

Eh, they might, but I've always gone by 65 NHL regular season GP myself. It's not a big deal in this case regardless.

 

[Kshahdoo]

He doesn't. Yakupov and Grigorenko are on different levels skillwise.

Hehe.

 

[Boxscore]

Grigorenko can't hold a flame to Kucherov.

 

[PensBandwagonerNo272*]

conn smythe 2014 potential

 

[tfong]

conn smythe 2014 potential

No way he beats Johnson. Johnson singlehandedly took down the Wings lol.

 

[Woodhouse]

Kucherov's graduated from prospects. Closed.