We continue to make early predictions as the days get closer to the start of Washington Capitals training camp. Today we’ll look at Evgeny Kuznetsov who is poised to enter his biggest season yet after a successful revenge tour last year.
How successful was that revenge tour?
Kuznetsov went from nine goals in the pandemic shortened 2021 season to 24 last season. He didn’t get in trouble off the ice and more importantly he was consistent on the ice.
This was an important year for Kuznetsov. It was a chance to silence the noise he heard all last summer with his name coming up in trade rumors.
So what can Kuznetsov do to improve on last season or at least keep the consistency going?
I think Kuznetsov has a chance to flirt with a career high 30 goals this season. And he should be able to produce at even higher numbers as he will be counted on in the top six with the absence of Nicklas Backstrom.
Kuznetsov’s advanced stats were decent too in the regular season last year. He had a 49.68 percent Corsi For percentage, a 48.18 percent Expected Goals For percentage, and a 44.87 High Danger Chances For per Natural Stat Trick.
His advanced stats dropped in the playoffs but so did the rest of the team. His Corsi For percentage came out to 41.09 percent, his Expected Goals For percentage at 38.16 percent, but he had a 58.33 percent High Danger Chances For percentage.
Expect Kuznetsov to center the top line once again with Alex Ovechkin. That right spot could open up some competition at training camp. New guy Connor Brown will be competing for that spot as will Anthony Mantha and T.J. Oshie.
But one thing is for sure, if there’s anything Kuznetsov has this season that he didn’t have last season, it’s confidence from every fan. Or at least most fans. There’s always those few fans that will never give someone the benefit of the doubt.
So I could see Kuznetsov scoring 30 goals and adding 60 assists for 90 points which would easily be his best season with the Caps.