Carolina Hurricanes: Storylines to Watch Heading Into Training Camp

What Can We Expect From Andrei Svechnikov in Year Two?

Andrei Svechnikov was incredible his rookie season. He produced a 20 goal, 37-point year, as an 18-year-old. There was a lot expected from Svech, and he did not disappoint. He was fourth on the team in goal, and he was fourth among all rookies in goals scored.

Svechnikov achieved all this on an extremely deep Carolina roster, while playing for a head coach who has proven to place immense value on veteran experience in his line combinations. Svech started the year as a fourth line player, but his responsibility and offensive acumen clearly pushed him up the lineup sheet week in and week out.

So, what can we expect form Svechnikov in year two? There are many who are preparing for a breakout year. Some assume that this season would be the year that Andrei Svechnikov becomes a name that is on par with some of the better goal scorers in hockey today.

I am unsure if this goal is realistic for the 19-year-old. A successful season would be one that sees Svech continue to play a more defensively responsible game, be physical, and play in the areas of the ice that benefit a player of his size and skill set.

His second year may not see a huge spike in production but should be huge for development none the less; his third year, is where I predict Svechnkikov explodes statistically. Regardless, who Svechnokov develops into his second year, his development continues to be a major storyline for this team entering training camp.