Young Canucks Defenseman Kudryavtsev Gains Late-Season NHL Experience

The 22-year-old blueliner is feeling more confident heading into the offseason after getting a chance to play in the NHL.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:00am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a young hockey player in motion, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes that deconstruct the action on the ice.A young Canucks defenseman battles for the puck, his movements captured in a cubist, geometric style that reflects the dynamic nature of the game.Los Angeles Today

Kirill Kudryavtsev, a 22-year-old defenseman in the Vancouver Canucks organization, is getting valuable NHL experience at the end of the 2025-26 season after missing time earlier in the year due to injury. Despite the Canucks missing the playoffs, Kudryavtsev and other young players are using the final games to make an impression and show they are ready to contribute next season.

Why it matters

Kudryavtsev's late-season NHL minutes are important for his development, as the young blueliner looks to build on his rookie pro season and cement a spot on the Canucks' roster next year. The Canucks are also using these final games to evaluate their young talent as they look to retool for the future.

The details

After missing two months in the middle of the season due to injury, Kudryavtsev has played in a couple NHL games for the Canucks to finish the year. He's been able to learn from veteran players like Anze Kopitar and is focused on improving his consistency and overall game this offseason. Kudryavtsev's AHL and NHL coaches have been impressed with his coachability, decision-making, and ability to apply new information quickly.

  • Kudryavtsev recently turned 22 years old.
  • He missed two months in the middle of the season due to injury.
  • Kudryavtsev has played in a couple NHL games for the Canucks to finish the 2025-26 season.

The players

Kirill Kudryavtsev

A 22-year-old defenseman in the Vancouver Canucks organization who is getting valuable NHL experience at the end of the 2025-26 season after missing time earlier in the year due to injury.

Anze Kopitar

A 20-year NHL veteran who Kudryavtsev had the chance to learn from after a recent game against the Los Angeles Kings.

Nolan Foote

Kudryavtsev's AHL head coach, who has been impressed with the young defenseman's coachability, decision-making, and ability to apply new information quickly.

Manny Malhotra

Kudryavtsev's NHL head coach, who has seen the young defenseman go through ups and downs this season, including a long-term injury, and is happy to see him get opportunities at the NHL level.

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What they’re saying

“He's so impressive. If he wouldn't have [had] those injuries this year, he probably would have had a lot more games up here, but I've been nothing but impressed with [him].”

— Nolan Foote, AHL Head Coach

“Well, lots of ups and downs for him. Obviously, having a major injury and missing as much time as he did can be very detrimental to a season. I give him credit for his work that he put in during the course of his rehab and getting himself back into playing shape.”

— Manny Malhotra, NHL Head Coach

What’s next

Kudryavtsev will look to build on his late-season NHL experience and continue developing his game this offseason, with the goal of cementing a spot on the Canucks' roster next season.

The takeaway

Kudryavtsev's late-season NHL minutes, despite the Canucks missing the playoffs, provide a valuable opportunity for the young defenseman to gain experience and make an impression as he looks to cement a spot on the roster next season.