Andrei Kuzmenko’s time in Calgary looks to be winding down, and a fresh start might be exactly what he needs.
The Russian forward has only suited up for 37 of the Flames’ 49 games this season, despite carrying a hefty $5.5 million salary. He’s been watching games from the press box lately, including a recent three-game stretch as a healthy scratch.
The numbers tell the story – just four goals and 11 assists this year. For a guy who’s supposed to be a scorer, averaging barely one shot per game isn’t cutting it.
It’s been quite a fall for the 28-year-old. Just two seasons ago, he burst onto the NHL scene with the Vancouver Canucks in spectacular fashion. Playing alongside Elias Pettersson, Kuzmenko racked up 39 goals and 74 points in his rookie year, leading the league with an impressive 27.3% shooting percentage.
That performance earned him a sweet two-year, $11 million deal from Vancouver. But things haven’t been smooth sailing since.
After struggling with the Canucks early last season, he found new life following a trade to Calgary. He put up 25 points in 29 games with the Flames, looking like the scorer everyone expected.
But this year? Different story.
While his minus-seven rating doesn’t look great, there are some bright spots. He’s actually been pretty solid in puck possession, ranking sixth on the team. The problem is he’s just not creating enough scoring chances.
Now he’s heading to Philadelphia, along with young forward Jakob Pelletier. The Flyers are betting on potential here – especially with Pelletier, a former first-round pick who’s starting to find his groove in the NHL.
The 23-year-old Pelletier has been impressive since early December, putting up 11 points in 23 games and leading the team with a +10 rating. And he’s doing it while playing less than 13 minutes per game.
For the Flyers, this move also helps their salary cap situation. They’re trading away Joel Farabee’s longer contract (which runs through 2028) and getting Kuzmenko’s deal that expires this summer.
It’s a gamble that could pay off nicely if both players can reach their full potential in Philly’s top six.
