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A young Canucks defenseman battles for the puck, his movements captured in a cubist, geometric style that reflects the dynamic nature of the game.Los Angeles Today
Kirill Kudryavtsev, a 22-year-old defenseman in the Vancouver Canucks organization, is getting valuable NHL experience at the end of the 2025-26 season after missing time earlier in the year due to injury. Despite the Canucks missing the playoffs, Kudryavtsev and other young players are using the final games to make an impression and show they are ready to contribute next season.
Why it matters
Kudryavtsev’s late-season NHL minutes are important for his development, as the young blueliner looks to build on his rookie pro season and cement a spot on the Canucks’ roster next year. The Canucks are also using these final games to evaluate their young talent as they look to retool for the future.
The details
After missing two months in the middle of the season due to injury, Kudryavtsev has played in a couple NHL games for the Canucks to finish the year. He’s been able to learn from veteran players like Anze Kopitar and is focused on improving his consistency and overall game this offseason. Kudryavtsev’s AHL and NHL coaches have been impressed with his coachability, decision-making, and ability to apply new information quickly.
Kudryavtsev recently turned 22 years old.He missed two months in the middle of the season due to injury.Kudryavtsev has played in a couple NHL games for the Canucks to finish the 2025-26 season.
The players
Kirill Kudryavtsev
A 22-year-old defenseman in the Vancouver Canucks organization who is getting valuable NHL experience at the end of the 2025-26 season after missing time earlier in the year due to injury.
Anze Kopitar
A 20-year NHL veteran who Kudryavtsev had the chance to learn from after a recent game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Nolan Foote
Kudryavtsev’s AHL head coach, who has been impressed with the young defenseman’s coachability, decision-making, and ability to apply new information quickly.
Manny Malhotra
Kudryavtsev’s NHL head coach, who has seen the young defenseman go through ups and downs this season, including a long-term injury, and is happy to see him get opportunities at the NHL level.
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What they’re saying
“He’s so impressive. If he wouldn’t have [had] those injuries this year, he probably would have had a lot more games up here, but I’ve been nothing but impressed with [him].”
— Nolan Foote, AHL Head Coach
“Well, lots of ups and downs for him. Obviously, having a major injury and missing as much time as he did can be very detrimental to a season. I give him credit for his work that he put in during the course of his rehab and getting himself back into playing shape.”
— Manny Malhotra, NHL Head Coach
What’s next
Kudryavtsev will look to build on his late-season NHL experience and continue developing his game this offseason, with the goal of cementing a spot on the Canucks’ roster next season.
The takeaway
Kudryavtsev’s late-season NHL minutes, despite the Canucks missing the playoffs, are an important step in his development as he looks to establish himself as a regular contributor at the NHL level. The young defenseman’s ability to learn quickly and apply new information has impressed his coaches, and he is using these final games to make a strong impression for next season.