Initially drafted in the seventh round by the Canucks, Kudryavtsev has developed into a draft-day steal and finished his third OHL season with five goals and 47 points in 67 games.
Initially drafted in the seventh round by the Canucks, Kudryavtsev has developed into a draft-day steal and finished his third OHL season with five goals and 47 points in 67 games.
Kirill Kudryavtsev is an example of how hard work pays off. Originally drafted 208th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2022, the Soo Greyhounds defender is developing into an intriguing prospect that has already signed his entry-level contract with the Canucks. While it hasn't been an easy journey, he has fought through adversity and is showing why he could be the steal of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Back in 2021, Kudryavtsev decided to leave Russia and move to the OHL. While it wasn't a popular decision amongst his family at the time, it worked as he was noticed by the Canucks and eventually drafted into the NHL. With some help from his agency, Gold Star Sports Management, Kudryavtsev was also able to learn English and has now fully adjusted to life in North America.
"It's obviously was my hardest season," said Kudryavtsev. "My whole family, not everybody was happy with that, but I mean, I made it, and I would say we made it honestly, my whole family. And like it for me, my agent did a great job. They gave me an English tutor, so I at least got to know some English before coming here. I got lucky; I had a Russian guy on the team; he was a goalie, and I was living with him for a year, I believe, so he helped me. All the culture and all that kind of stuff, and he was helping me with English. I can speak, I guess, normally; just my accent that I need to work on. But it was tough my first year, but now it's just a smiley, like home."
While he recorded three fewer points in the same amount of games compared to 2022-23, Kudryavtsev saw significant improvements in his overall game. His plus/minus went from -15 to +29 as he played a crucial part in the Greyhounds recording their most successful season since 2018-19. As he explains, a shift in mindset can be credited with how he has developed this year.
"I didn't really care about points at the season; maybe last season, I cared more because I needed to sign the contract. This season, I just cared about being in OHL, and so I'm just playing more defensively, more structured, more hard, all this stuff. That's why my plus/minus. This season, it's just a completely different story. So that's why, probably mostly because of the team, and I just tried to play more hard at defence."
One of the biggest differences in Kudryavtsev's game is his confidence with the puck. Through his first two OHL seasons, he would try to force passes or carry the puck up rather than making simple plays that clear the zone. Fast forward to this season, where he made fewer errors with the puck and was able to show that he can deliver crisp, accurate passes that lead to breakouts and scoring opportunities for his teammates.
"I would say, I think my game is starting to be more mature. I'm starting to make more hard decisions when you just need to pass the puck and not make some extra moves. Just like get it out of the zone. Just play a simple brand of hockey."
Like with all their prospects, Vancouver checks in with Kudryavtsev throughout the season. This way, they can keep tabs on his development while also sharing tips on how he can improve his game. The check-ins, as well as the opportunity to skate with the Abbotsford Canucks after his OHL season finished last year, has given Kudryavtsev plenty of time to learn about the Canucks organization and adjust his game to better fit into Vancouver's system.
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"Sometimes there's a player development guys coming to my games. Usually, they just watch it. Sometimes, they can come for a game, and we can talk after about how I played, how I'm feeling, what I think I need to work on, all that kind of stuff. Sometimes the same guy is just texting me. Last year, I was sent down to the AHL team, so I've been around them. It was a great experience, obviously, so I got to meet all the AHL coaches, all this stuff, and just be around them and practice with them for a little bit. "
During his time with the Canucks, Kudryavtsev has also had the opportunity to work with former NHL defenceman Sergei Gonchar. One of the best Russian defencemen of all time, Kudryavtsev, was excited about learning from the Stanley Cup Winner. While Kudryavtsev was only able to work with Gonchar for a short time, he is excited to spend more time with Vancouver's Defensive Development Coach in the future.
"Yeah, it's just unbelievable. I remember the day when they announced the new coaching staff, and I assumed that this guy would be my future coach. I was so happy to see it then. I remember that one practice with him and it was just unbelievable. He's a really good coach and a really good human. Just looking forward to seeing him again at the camp and hopefully trying to make the team so I can work more with him."
At this point in his career, Kudryavtsev is focused on improving his game so he can smoothly transition to the pro level. He understands it won't be easy but points out that seventh-rounders have made significant impacts at the NHL. Overall, he is putting in the effort every day and is showing the Canucks they made the right move by signing him to an entry-level contract last March.
"I know there's a lot of guys who went seventh round and they've been unbelievable NHL players, like Pavel Datsyuk. He was probably one of my favourite players. I know that you just never give up. I've seen all those guys, even from my year, who were drafted, and they signed, and they play in the NHL right now. I was just working every day, hoping that I would sign, and I did. They (The Canucks) believe in me. They know that I'm capable of just working every day even harder just to better myself."
After a successful season, Kudryavtsev now turns his attention to the OHL Playoffs and his first-round matchup against fellow prospect Vilmer Alriksson and the Guelph Storm. While Vancouver hasn't specified the plan for next season, this could be his final chance at a Memorial Cup, as he would be considered an overage player next season. Regardless of where he plays next season, Kudryavtsev's progress will be something to monitor as he continues to develop into a draft-day steal.
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