Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Evgeny Kuznetsov: Anakin Skywalker (Pre-Darth Vader)
The star of the first three Star Wars movies (chronologically speaking) was a young boy by the name of Anakin Skywalker. Skywalker *SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT* becomes Darth Vader after Episode III. If we go back and change it so that Anakin remains a Jedi and remains one of the lead protagonists, that’s what Evgeny Kuznetsov is.
From the moment Anakin is introduced in Episode One, everyone is in awe of the potential that Anakin has. Anakin does magical things on a consistent basis. Kuznetsov does Jedi things with the puck all the time. It’s gotten to the point where Washington Capitals fans have come to expect Jedi mind tricks from Kuznetsov.
Anakin took a while to get used to how things worked for Jedis. He seemed awkward at first. Likewise, Kuznetsov took a while to adjust to the NHL and to learn what Barry Trotz wanted him to do.
At the end of Episode One, Anakin saves the day by piloting an aircraft and destroying the enemy ship and droid army. Everything seemed to click at that moment for Anakin. That was when he realized his destiny. Kuznetsov realized his against the New York Islanders in Game Seven of the first round of the playoffs.
Let’s all hope that Kuznetsov doesn’t turn into Darth Vader.
Next: Yoda