'You Almost Got To Kick That Guy Off The Ice': Canucks Head Coach Compares Vasily Podkolzin To Jaromir Jagr

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters that Vasily Podkolzin's work ethic is comparable to NHL legend Jaromir Jagr's.

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters that Vasily Podkolzin's work ethic is comparable to NHL legend Jaromir Jagr's.

The 22-year-old winger has played only seven games in the NHL this season and has yet to record a point, but that didn't stop the bench boss from raving about his work ethic. 

"We haven't seen Podkolzin all year, and I think since we've got him, he's he craves it," Tocchet said after morning skate. "You almost got to kick that guy off the ice."

Podkolzin was on the ice before much of the team to work with Sergei Gonchar.

While his crazy work ethic is excellent, Tocchet knows Podkolzin must balance work and rest. He compared Podkolzin's mindset to that of the NHL's second-highest-scoring player, Jaromir Jagr. 

"He's got to find the balance because he'll stay [on the ice] all day," Tocchet said. "I'm not comparing him to Jagr, but in his early days, you had to kick the guy off the ice. It was actually too much." 

Tocchet doesn't want his young forward overloaded with information either. He feels that Podkolzin is more effective when he plays "mind-free."

"We have to make sure Podzi doesn't get too much information because he's at his best when he's mind-free," Tocchet explained. 

In his seven games, Podkolzin has been a buzzsaw on the fourth line. He's shown an effective forechecking ability that complements his speed and tenacity. 

In 44 games with Abbotsford this season, he has 15 goals and 13 assists. Due to Dakota Joshua's injury, the Canucks felt this was the best time to get a good look at Podkolzin, and he's making it count. 

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