For Kirill Kudryavtsev, last season’s Calder Cup win with the Abbotsford Canucks was more than just a championship; it was a lesson in what it takes to win at the professional level. Now, as the young defenceman enters his second season in the organization, he’s focused on one thing: building on that success and proving he’s ready for the next step.
“It’s pretty simple,” Kudryavtsev said with calm confidence. “Just make the NHL team, or at least try to prove to the NHL coaches and scouts that I deserve a chance. That’s the individual goal.”
The 21-year-old blueliner has already earned a reputation as a poised, mobile defenceman with strong two-way instincts. After a steady first year in Abbotsford, Kudryavtsev’s goal this season is not only personal growth but also team success.
“The team's goal is obviously to repeat the same thing,” he said. “But for now, you focus on the small stuff — just make the playoffs. Once it’s playoff time, then you talk about the future.”
It’s a mature perspective for a player who’s still early in his professional career: one that reflects both patience and ambition.
Kudryavtsev’s offseason was short but purposeful. After taking a brief break back home in Russia to recharge with family, he returned to Vancouver early to resume training.
“Just went home for a couple of weeks, stayed away from hockey with my family,” he said. “It was a short summer, but that’s the price you pay to win something. I don’t mind that.”
That mix of humility and competitiveness is what makes Kudryavtsev stand out. He’s not just satisfied with last year’s success; he’s determined to prove he can play a bigger role this time around.
“Hopefully, I’ll get more ice time,” he said. “Lots of guys left, so maybe I’ll have a bigger role this year and can show everybody what I can do. It’s my second year now — I understand what pro hockey is about, all the ups and downs. I just want to be good, helpful for my team, and show everybody what I can do.”
Born and raised in Russia, Kudryavtsev has spent the last five years adapting to the North American game. The transition hasn’t been easy, but he’s embraced the challenge with quiet determination.
“It’s way different,” he admitted. “But it’s my fifth year in Canada, so I’ve learned a lot. I know what to expect now.”
His calm confidence carries through even in his closing words, no grand speeches or dramatics, just a focused player ready to go to work. “I’ll keep it simple,” he said. “I’m gonna go play.”
Kudryavtsev is especially looking forward to Abbotsford’s home opener, where the team will raise their Calder Cup championship banner in front of a packed crowd. “It’s going to be super exciting,” he said. “Hopefully, everybody comes out. It’s going to be packed.”
Pressure? He doesn’t mind that either. “A little pressure is good,” he laughed. “Not too much, but I can handle it.”
For a player like Kudryavtsev, that balance of composure and competitiveness is the key to his next big step: one that leads straight to Vancouver.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
The Hockey News' Vancouver Canucks Mailbag: Cootes, Trade Targets & More
How Braeden Cootes Made The Vancouver Canucks’ Opening-Night Roster
