As the offseason progresses and the buzz surrounding the NHL Entry Draft and free agency begins to fade, hockey enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming season. Here at Last Word on Hockey, our dedicated team has been delving into various aspects of the sport during the summer lull. From identifying the best players by number for select teams, to ranking the top captains, best and worst jerseys, and top first-round draft picks, our writers have been thoroughly examining all angles of the game. In light of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, we turn our focus to the Carolina Hurricanes, specifically looking at their all-time starting lineups based on nationality.
The Hurricanes have not historically fielded a predominantly Russian lineup, as they have tended to steer clear of drafting Russian players, even during the tenure of former general manager Jim Rutherford. While there have been some promising prospects who did not reach their potential (such as Valentin Zykov and Sergei Tolchinsky), as well as players who arrived with high expectations but ultimately fizzled out (like Alexander Semin), there are still some noteworthy names on the list.
The all-time Russian starting lineup for the Carolina Hurricanes features a trio of skilled forwards in Andrei Svechnikov on the left wing, Evgeny Kuznetsov at center, and Sergei Samsonov on the right wing. On defense, Dmitry Orlov mans the left side while Oleg Tverdovsky holds down the right side. Between the pipes, Pyotr Kochetkov stands guard as the goaltender.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, in particular, stands out in this lineup. Despite only playing a partial season with the Hurricanes, Kuznetsov’s inclusion is warranted due to the scarcity of Russian players in the team’s history, especially at the center position. While Alexander Semin could have been a candidate, his departure from the organization differed greatly from Kuznetsov’s arrival, both in terms of impact and sentiment.
Kuznetsov enjoyed a successful stint with the Washington Capitals, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory. However, off-ice issues derailed his on-ice performance, leading to a decline in production and ultimately a stint on the sidelines. Carolina took a calculated gamble on Kuznetsov during the 2023-24 trade deadline, acquiring him for a third-round draft pick. This move was seen as low risk yet potentially high reward for the Hurricanes, injecting fresh talent into the lineup.
In conclusion, the all-time Russian starting lineup for the Carolina Hurricanes may not be filled with household names, but it showcases the team’s willingness to explore different avenues in search of success. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, these historical lineups serve as a reminder of the diverse talent that has graced the ice for the Hurricanes over the years.