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How Andrei Svechnikov Is Unlocking His Potential

When you’ve played at full throttle your entire life, learning to lay off the gas feels…wrong. You’re faced with a constant tug of war between your head and the base instincts that brought you to The Show.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov is no stranger to these growing pains. Since he’s already in his fourth pro season and a pivotal member of his team’s offense, it’s easy to forget that he’s still just 21 years old. He’s still figuring out the NHL. He’s still trying to gauge when he should enter freight-train mode and when he’s better served easing up. He’s still trying to optimize his impressive skill set. Luckily for Carolina, he’s still making progress too.

The 2018 second overall pick is off to the best start of his career in 2021-22 with 50 points in 51 games. Though he remains a bull in a china shop, the power forward is displaying more consistent engagement and sounder decision-making for the 37-12-5 Hurricanes.

In the past, he would often bide his time until the puck found its way on to his stick. Then he would barrel downhill. This year, he’s involved in the action in all three zones, battling tooth and nail for possession rather than waiting for it to reach his doorstep. Look at how impactful his size and nose for the puck can be in tight quarters:

Svechnikov’s improved work rate is especially noticeable on defense. His reads remain raw on this side of the puck, but because he no longer has one foot out the door, he’s in position to break up plays and strip opponents on a regular basis.

That energy is equally useful on the attack. Though his 6’2”, 195-pound frame is nothing to write home about by modern standards, he plays bigger than his size. He’s a total buzzsaw in the trenches, overwhelming defenders with his physicality and determination. When he gets his feet moving and sets his mind to winning the puck, there’s virtually no stopping him. Now, instead of merely finishing plays, he’s also initiating and extending them. He’s feeding into the Hurricanes’ desire to topple opponents through wave after wave of pressure.

Moreover, he’s realizing that patience in possession bears fruit as well:

There are times when a straight-for-the-jugular tack can prove successful. But if the defense has settled into its posture, odds are you’ll skate yourself straight into a brick wall. Svechnikov is striking a finer balance between the smart and direct choice in 2021-22. While he’ll drive to the net or pull the trigger when he senses a good opportunity, he doesn’t do so indiscriminately. He’s grown much more willing to survey his options and dish the puck in order to shift the point of attack. He’s frequently making the pass that leads to an even better setup down the line.

By roping his teammates into the action, he’s helping Carolina present multiple threats and making his five-man unit considerably more dangerous.

The numbers reflect this enhanced potency: Svechnikov’s individual on-ice metrics haven’t changed all that much, but the Hurricanes never register more shot attempts, scoring chances, high-danger bids or expected goals than during his shifts. In trying to accomplish less by himself, he’s setting the table for his squad to get more done together.

Due to the Hurricanes’ team concept and taste for sheer volume, opponents are stretched thin and forced to respect every skater in the offensive zone. That means Svechnikov’s pure talent has more room to shine:

Svechnikov is mainly known as a scorer and thus commands a ton of attention from defenders and goaltenders alike. However, this plays into his underrated playmaking. Opponents are often so committed to stifling him that he can pick out teammates who are better positioned to find the back of the net. He possesses the touch and vision to connect with them from nearly anywhere in the offensive zone, although he’s particularly crafty near the goal line.

Of course, his shot isn’t just a decoy either. While his one-timer isn’t that dependable, he boasts an absolute bullet of a wrister that he can release in stride in the blink of an eye. Without even leaning into his shot, he gets a ridiculous amount of velocity behind it and does well to pick corners.

Better yet, he complements his marksmanship with a varied blitz. He’s clinical enough to beat goaltenders from distance, he’s bold enough to attempt dazzling maneuvers up close and he’s persistent enough to bang home rebounds:

A more committed team game—combined with his natural ability—has yielded great results: He’s never played better, and he’s never scored or racked up primary assists at a higher rate.

We already knew Svechnikov could deliver bone-rattling hits and jaw-dropping lacrosse theatrics. This season, though, he’s begun to connect the dots. He hasn’t slowed down for the sake of slowing down. He’s picking his spots, alternating between mad dashes and grittier, heavier sequences. He’s more diligent defensively, more deliberate offensively and more embedded in the action overall.

He’s becoming more than the sum of his parts.

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