Commentary on Dmitry Voronkov’s NHL Prospects and the Role of Coaching
Former coach of the Russian national team Vladimir Krikunov shared his perspective on the future of forward Dmitry Voronkov with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League. Krikunov spoke about the challenges Voronkov faces in establishing himself at the NHL level and highlighted the many factors that influence a young player’s path to success abroad.
According to Krikunov, Voronkov is a natural scorer and skilled technician, yet athletic luck and the right coaching environment are crucial for him to flourish in North American hockey. He emphasized that the decision of a coach can strongly impact a player’s ability to stay in the lineup. In the NHL, getting a chance to prove oneself often hinges on the combination of talent, timing, and the coach’s trust in a player who may still be adjusting to the league’s pace and physicality.
The veteran coach warned that opinions from experts vary, but the core takeaway remains consistent: Voronkov must avoid becoming discouraged or sidelined. In a league where even good performers can be sidelined by unfavorable situations, the risk is that a strong start could falter if the surrounding system or roles do not fit the player’s strengths. The path to remaining in the NHL may require Voronkov to adapt to a style that includes quick decisions and persistent effort on the forecheck, as skill alone does not guarantee a steady place on the roster.
Voronkov entered the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. He did not make the team’s final 23-man roster for the start of the regular season and was assigned to the Cleveland Monsters, Columbus’s American Hockey League affiliate, to continue his development at a higher level of competition. This transition is a common step for players adjusting to the NHL experience and striving to demonstrate their readiness in a pro environment.
Prior to his arrival in North America, the forward spent the previous season with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League. There he played 24 games and accumulated 12 points, with an eight-goal and four-assist line. Across his KHL tenure, Voronkov played 232 games and posted 99 points, with 52 goals and 47 assists, a testament to his scoring ability and endurance. He has been with Ak Bars Kazan since 2018, a period that helped shape his development before moving across the Atlantic.
As the discussion on Voronkov continues, observers note that the NHL landscape rewards players who blend talent with adaptability, mental resilience, and a coachable approach. The conversation also raises broader questions about how young players transition from European leagues to North American hockey and how teams support their growth through a structured development plan.
In the end, the question remains clear: will Voronkov carve out a lasting role in the NHL? The answer depends on multiple variables, including his continued improvement, the coaching he receives, and the opportunities presented to him within Columbus and the league at large. The player’s trajectory will unfold as he navigates the complex ecosystem of professional hockey, balancing skill with the realities of a highly competitive environment. Ovechkin as a historical reference point often surfaces in discussions about star players who faced early hurdles before making a lasting impact on the ice.