The Blue Jackets are in the middle of a long break, which gives them what essentially becomes a second training camp. After a lackadaisical performance against the Utah Mammoth last Saturday, there was plenty for the team to work on.
Amongst things like special teams, staying disciplined, and defending better; I hope the team is finding ways to generate some offense. Earlier in the week, we talked about Conor Garland. However, playing in his spot on the roster right now is Dmitri Voronkov, who is another player that this team needs to try to unlock.
Voronkov can be a difference maker.
Since coming over from Russia three years ago, the man affectionately called "Big Boss" has left us with a lot to be desired. Early on, he looked like the player we thought we were getting. Physical, mean, and with a surprising scoring touch.
The first thing that stands out about Dmitri is his sheer size. At 6'5" and 230 pounds, he towers over most NHL players. When you watch him play, he does a lot of the little things right, and even though his foot speed is what you would expect from a guy his size, he's rarely out of position.
So, why is it that he hasn't yet put it all together? Now 26 years old, he has 213 NHL games under his belt, with an honestly decent stat line (58 goals, 114 points, +9. 168 penalty minutes). Still, he can't seem to win over any of the coaching staffs he's played under; and his offense leaves us with something to be desired.
It's still early in the tenure of Matthew Knies, but he's a similar type of player to Voronkov-only three years younger. Still, he was able to step right in and score twice in his first game. He has four points in his first two games with the Blue Jackets.
Meanwhile, Big Boss has been held to just one assist, averaging less than 12 minutes per game through the first two. The question becomes: how can this coaching staff get more out of this player, before management is forced to sell him at low value like they did another Russian winger?
Be assertive.
This is the one aspect of Voronkov's game that feels like it's missing. A guy his size, with his physical traits, should be using that to his full advantage. Instead, he's often quick to get rid of the puck; typically trying to pass it away before anybody is ready to receive it.
Imagine him putting his head down and bullying his way to the net, instead of dumping the puck towards an open wing and hoping someone else can carry the mail. Or, without the puck; imagine him being an absolute monster on the forecheck, making defensemen think twice before they puck up a loose puck in the corner.
These are the things that this organization wants to see out of Dmitri Voronkov. Become that assertive power forward. Use that size and strength. Get into the odd fight. Do the things that made you such an attractive prospect in the first place.
Hopefully, this is the message being sent as the team practices endlessly this week.
Add us as a preferred source on Google