Will Andrei Kuzmenko thrive with the Calgary Flames?

With the NHL regular season back in full swing, people are curious to see how the assets that changed hands between the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames will play out.

Right at the beginning of the All-Star break, the Flames traded Elias Lindholm to the Canucks. The big piece going to back to Calgary was Andrei Kuzmenko, a forward who had a great rookie season, but has really struggled to find the same level of production in year two, even getting healthy scratched a couple of times.

However, the Russian-born player has a chance to have a fresh new start with the Flames, who are still on the edge of the playoff race. With the possibility of playing more minutes, Kuzmenko can elevate his game in his new digs.

Things certainly started off on the right foot, as Kuzmenko scored in his first game with the Flames, helping the team pick up a 4-1 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday’ edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Colby Cohen and Tyler Yaremchuk talk about how Kuzmenko can step up in Calgary.

Colby Cohen: I do think [Kuzmenko] is going to get a lot of opportunity to play, and play a little bit looser, play a little bit more freely. Where [Canucks coach] Rick Tocchet was probably a lot more down his throat about the defensive side of things, checking a little bit harder, being more responsible. [In Calgary], there’s a lot less stress, the coach has a much more laid back personality than Rick Tocchet does.

I’m not really sold on Kuzmenko, but ultimately do I think he is a long-term play, a long-term solution to their top line? I’m not totally sold. I’m going to need to see more before I really lean in heavy on him.

For the full segment, and the entire episode here…