European free agent who some view as the next Artemi Panarin interviewing with NHL teams this week
Artemi Panarin is one of the absolute best wingers in the National Hockey League, so when people bring up the name and the position he's found himself in this summer Andrei Kuzmenko and say that he could be the next Panarin, it is sure to turn more than just a few heads.
Kuzmenko, a 26-year-old winger who played his last 8 seasons in the KHL, registered 20 goals and 53 points in 45 games with St. Petersburg SKA this season, which is not unlike the 26 goals and 62 points in 54 games that Panarin scored with SKA in 2014-15 before making his NHL arrival.
So far, it is being reported that Kuzmenko has lined up interviews with Edmonton, Vancouver and two unspecified US-based teams this week, though a decision is not expected until sometime late next week, which means there is still some time for other teams to get into the mix if they are so inclined.
The team who wins the Kuzmenko sweepstakes will also have the benefit of inking the 26-year-old to a very inexpensive 1-year ELC, as that is all he is currently eligible for. Imagine landing someone who has immediate game-breaking potential for under $1M this season.
Honestly, if I'm Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, I'm picking up the phone. Kuzmenko plays the left wing, which is obviously a position of need for the Buds, and given the fact that he won't break the bank, the move makes a lot of sense. Nevermind the fact that signing Kuzmenko may entice Ilya Mikheyev and Ilya Lyubushkin to re-up with the Leafs and maybe take a bit less as well.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 14 | 267 ANSWERS European free agent who some view as the next Artemi Panarin interviewing with NHL teams this week Should the Leafs line up an interview with Russian free agent Andrei Kuzmenko this week? | ||
| Yes | 147 | 55.1 % |
| No - we don't need more Russian imports | 42 | 15.7 % |
| Leave spots open for our own prospects | 49 | 18.4 % |
| Sign a more recognizable name in free agency | 29 | 10.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
