Vancouver Canucks Analysis: The Power of Nikita Tryamkin

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Nikita Tryamkin: The Round-Up

Nikita Tryamkin is a versatile stay-at-home defenceman who is enabled by his massive 6-foot-8 frame to play in all situations. He will learn to play the powerplay as the shooter and as the net-front presence while clogging up the boards to disrupt the opposition’s cycle in the Canucks’ defensive zone. His frame is most notable for allowing him to reach in and be active with his stick.

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Although his contract termination may coincide with other notable ones like Markstrom’s, Horvat’s, and Hutton’s, the real issue will be the roster spot battle. The blueline looks packed, to say the least, and it will be up to Tryamkin to claim his spot in the coming season. Difficulty re-signing players in the offseason always happens anyhow.

The language barrier is certainly there. The transition from the artistic play of the KHL to the intense play of the NHL will certainly take some work for Tryamkin. He has the natural ingredient to make it all happen. Hopefully, Willie Desjardins and the trainers can make it happen.

According to TSN1040, Tryamkin will be wearing #88 with the Canucks this season, as he has with his KHL team this season.

But for now, time in the AHL might not be too far off for Tryamkin. May as well play him 30 minutes a night for a winning Travis Green than 15 minutes a night for just a handful of games under a losing Willie Desjardins, eh?

And of course, Andrey Pedan is there, too. Wonder if the Russian chemistry will be there instantly. Again, Sbisa is the odd one out. Especially with Jim Benning saying that teams are calling on Sbisa, you have to wonder if the Canucks could get a good return for him. Sbisa was just another part of the Ryan Kesler trade, right?

I like Sbisa, but… wonder what a return could look like even as a rental.

And to cap it off, here is Nikita Tryamkin now in Vancouver. Welcome home to your most passionate* of fans!

Nikita Tryamkin. Is he the next Zdeno Chara? There will be growing pains for sure. But regardless of how good he may turn out to be, Vancouver will be mighty happy with Jim Benning’s drafting and how the top-six will look with the 6-foot-8 Tryamkin in the mix.

Here are some more tidbits as I get more updates from his interview:

When is the last time anyone had the guts to say this before he played a single shift in the NHL? Wow.

Tryamkin’s ultimate goal is the NHL, and if he needs to go back for a stint in the KHL to become more ready for the NHL he will do so. The European Assignment Clause is important to him as he does not want to play outside of Russia unless it is for the NHL. I think Vancouver can forget about this guy slacking off.

Lastly, there are hints of youth leadership already. Bo Horvat, Jared McCann, and Jake Virtanen have been in touch with Tryamkin ever since the draft, apparently.

Lastly, good news for Canucks fans. He can play both sides of the defence. Most importantly, he confirmed his height and weight. That was quite the drama.

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So, Nikita Trymkin is huge. He’s a confirmed giant.

But again, Mr. Jim Benning. Please don’t call your newest player a freak. Thank you.