In working through the forward part of the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2016-17 report cards, there are a handful of players who saw some ice time at the NHL level but not really enough to be graded. This final ‘report card’ entry for the forwards will offer brief comments on a couple of those players who made favorable impressions in short stints with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Valentin Zykov
If there was an award for volume of impression relative to volume of ice time, Valentin Zykov would be the hands down winner. He played only one game (plus a single shift in his second game that saw him get injured), but made the most of his ice time. Inserted onto a line with Jordan Staal in his NHL debut, Zykov did one thing especially well – consistently going to the front of the net. Because that work yielded a goal and because of the team’s desperate need for more of a power forward element and more presence and production near the crease, a single solid game, 11:53 of ice time and a lone goal were enough for Zykov to be noticed.
A check in on Zykov with Jordan Futrell who covers the Charlotte Checkers for Canes and Coffee suggested that the power forward in his game was in fact something he had displayed over a longer stretch of games at the AHL level. And while his style of play that the Hurricanes need to add is a great starting point, Zykov will still enter training camp as more of an unknown and a dark horse to make the opening day roster. Critical in his training camp evaluation will be his ability to match NHL pace and cover the entire 200 feet of the rink at NHL speed and to consistently be a difference-maker at both ends of the rink with a rugged and physical style of play.
Partial grade: Zykov gets an A for capitalizing immediately on the opportunity given to him.
Outlook for a 2017-18 roster slot: Because this one game did make a very favorable impression, I think most people overestimate what Zykov has proven in terms of NHL-readiness. Despite his impressive NHL debut, I view Zykov as a dark horse and long shot to make the Hurricanes roster out of training camp. If he shows up at training camp and looks a step or two quicker/faster but still with a crease-crashing power forward mentality in the offensive zone, I instantly become more intrigued and watch him more closely.
Lucas Wallmark
Wallmark’s audition at the NHL level that lasted 8 games offered a reasonably good luck at what Wallmark could bring at the NHL level. In those 8 games, his production was modest. He did not register a goal and had only 2 assists in averaging 10:52 of ice time. Despite not wowing with a scoring outburst Wallmark still made a favorable impression. Labeled as a player who had gains to make in terms of mobility, Wallmark actually reminded me of Victor Rask in his ability to read and think the game and be sound in terms of positioning and decision-making both on offense and on defense.
When I think about building the 2017-18 roster, I like Wallmark’s potential to be part of a fourth line that can bring more offensively without doing it by gambling for goals. Especially if flanked by wings with decent speed and defensive acumen, I could see Wallmark (or Derek Ryan for that matter) being being a key cog in a lineup that becomes more balanced and gets more production from the bottom.
Partial grade: While he could have done more to impress offensively, Wallmark gets a B+ in his limited audition for showing that he was not in over his head in terms of fulfilling the responsibilities of the center position at the NHL level.
Outlook for a 2017-18 roster slot: After playing well in preseason in pseudo-NHL action in the 2016-17 preseason, following it up with a big season in the AHL and looking at least capable in a short NHL stint, I expect Wallmark to be in the thick of the battle for one of the last NHL roster spots to start next season. Assuming Francis can get Ryan under contract, my early bet is that Wallmark and Ryan battle to the end for the C4 slot that was previously Jay McClement’s. If Wallmark wins it, Ryan likely stays at the NHL level in another role or as a #13 forward. If Ryan wins the ice time, Wallmark would likely return to the AHL to continue his development but would be near the top of the list of call ups in the event of an injury.
In the name of thoroughness, Sergey Tolchinsky (2 games) and Andrew Poturalski (2 games) who are still with the Hurricanes’ organization both grabbed a cup of coffee at the NHL level but did not stand out enough for a deep evaluation. Ty Rattie and Martin Frk were both claimed off waivers and played a few games before departing.
What say you Canes fans?
Do you like Valentin Zykov and/or Lucas Wallmark’s chances to make the NHL roster to start the 2017-18 season? Could they actually end up being two-thirds of a scoring-capable fourth line?
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I expect one or both of Wallmark/Zykov to make the opening day roster. You are correct that the fourth line needs scoring ability.
After his call-up Wallmark (at least based on what Jordan reported) played with more offensive consistency in Charlotte. I hope that means he gained confidence that he belongs and can contribute in Raleigh.
Zykov really shined in his one game–he had/created multiple scoring chances. In fact, while it may seem unserious to mention, I think he could work out on a top line with Aho and Staal (I think by now you all know that I don’t completely buy into 1st, 2nd, 3rd definitions). His size and style of going hard to the crease were, for one game, a perfect complement for Aho and Staal. It may be the case that working with top-level talent brings out the strengths in Zykov’s game. While I don’t think it highly likely, I wouldn’t be stunned if it happens.
In any case, I think both are upgrades if they end up on the fourth line. If they end up back in Charlotte, then RF and BP have really good options in case of injury or underperformance. It shows that the organization has done a really strong job of acquiring and developing for the future. In fact, in Andrew Schnittker’s article “projecting” the 19-20 team, he does not list Zykov, Saarela, Foegele, Smallman. And each has demonstrated to be above-average in the AHL or CHL. A great dilemma to have.
Assessing both players for their contrinutions during their limited time on NHL ice, I agree with both your grades, Matt (say what?? LOL!). A for Zyykov; B+ for Wallmark.
Zykov played as you described. I actually like Wallmark a lot – Peters spoke highly of him – and wish he had converted his goal opportunities. He centered the 4th line while in a Canes uniform and was quite good in that role, bringing more offensive potential than JMac had, skating well and passing well. I may be wrong, but I think he held his own in the faceoff circle as well.
Whether Zykov and Wallmark make the opening day roster I think will largely depend on what BP and RF do in terms of acquiring veteran forwards. I think Wallmark may be an excellent choice as our 4th-line center next year. I would not want to see Zykov on the 4th line, though. For one thing, I don’t want to see 2 rookies out of the AHL playing that line. I also think Zykov’s net front presence and scoring potential shouldn’t be relegated to the 4th line.
tj. I am curious if you rule out 2 rookies playing together or just two from AHL. Because I think it is at least possible that 4th line could be Nordstrom, Wallmark, Foegele (especially if he is as fast and tenacious as I have been reading).
We agree that Zykov should be on line with scorers. So given that and agreeing with RR and others that getting a center is the next priority, then the lines cold be something like this.
Aho/Staal/Zykov
Skinner/Hanzal-Bonino-Johnson/Stempniak
Teravainen/Rask/Lindholm
Those look pretty good and get to the point of having 3 equally potent scoring lines.
As always, it is fun to speculate.
Well, if one of those rookies is named “Aho”, I don’t have an issue with it! š
I think if you start a season with two linemates who were each in the AHL the previous season you have a high risk of that line being exposed for its inexperience. I remember the last preseason game from two years ago when Ovechkin made fools out of the paired Slavin-Pesce going in for a goal.
Being able to roll-out 3 balanced lines is great – but 4 would be even better, true that?
I agree with CT and raleightj. I also believe one or both of Wallmark/Zykovto make the opening day roster. Wallmark as 4th line center and Zykov as top 9. I also do not care so much about 1st, 2nd or 3rd line designations. 4th is usually obvious but 1st, 2nd and 3rd can get blurred sometimes. If we get 4 balanced lines we will be dangerous someplace on every night. I think the one we might be under appreciating is Ryan. Not because of his story but he has had awards and production every place he has played. Give him a full season and he was on a 35 point pace and probably improving. I hope we resign him. I think he could be valuable and might surprise.
The cool thing about getting a center is with all the great posts on Thursdays article, it shows with the UFAs, expansion draft, cap space, teams restructuring and all our picks there are quite a few options. Even without a C1 there are some top wingers. I think we are in a good position. It is going to be so interesting throughout the entire NHL with all the moves that will occur. The expansion draft will really cause some things you do not normally see. Great time to be in our position with all the turbulence which is about to happen. You would almost think that was planned (it was).
ct, raleighj, and icecobra really all have expressed valid points and have stated in one way or another what my thoughts are on Wallmark and Zykov. That being the case, there’s no sense in me just restating things. Its refreshing each day to read all the comments and to see everyone, maybe with different ideas on how to get there, coming up with good original ideas on how this team can get better.
Im with ice cobra about the lines. I don’t care about their labels so long as they can produce.
Solid comments by all on Wallmark and Zykov. Honestly though I think this argument is neglecting a key point. Forget the NHL definition of ‘rookies’ or proven NHL experience. GMRF and friends have seen more than enough to have decent feels on most all of these players. And this said, McGinn and Di Giuseppe have not yet really produced that much at the NHL level. However ready or not we think Zykov and Wallmark are, it is very plausible that either could have a training camp capable of taking Di Giuseppe or McGinn’s spot. It has been noted on this site and comment forum that each of those players probably have a higher level of production to be achieved. But as we saw in the cases of Lindholm and Aho, those next steps can take a loooooong time, or no time. The question is (and it’s an awesome question to have), who hits that next level first?
Pre-season will clarify how good (and more importantly READY) the prospects might be for the AHL, but it’s really just dreaming to expect junior kids to jump to the National Hockey League. Most AHL guys have to develop some before reaching the next level. They all have talent (but enough?) The reason why Peters made his pointed comment about making (using) fewer draft picks was he knew most prospects will take a lot more time, and the team needs some READY VETERANS! An AHL veteran (or two) may be able to make it, but it’s not a certainty…