“It’s not like Voronkov wants to give up everything and leave.” What is happening to the Russian giant in America?

Tyutin will help Voronkov

Interesting news is brought to us from Columbus by The Athletic columnist Aaron Porcline. He writes that Dmitry Voronkov successfully began his career in Blue jackets , constantly gaining points and occupying a prominent place in the lineup. But that may not be enough to keep the 23-year-old in Columbus.

Earlier, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen confirmed that Voronkov was homesick and was considering returning to Russia.

“We are addressing this issue within the team,” Kekäläinen said. “It’s normal for a young player to sometimes feel homesick. And we take care of it. »

In the two-year contract signed by Voronkov in May, there is a clause that if the player is not in the NHL by the end of December, he will be able to return home. But this is not the case with Dmitry. He has been playing for Columbus since October 26 and has already scored 9 (3+6) points in 16 matches in one month. He is a hockey player of the main team.

However, if Voronkov insists on returning home, the Blue Jackets will have to loan him to Ak Bars. It is true that in Columbus, we really believe that we will not get to that point.

The biggest obstacle is that Voronkov speaks almost no English. It was hoped that Columbus’ Russian players – Ivan Provorov, Kirill Marchenko and Egor Chinakhov – would help him get used to the new culture.

“He gets along with everyone,” says Kekäläinen. – He has a very good character. He seems to be loved in the locker room. And there’s a sparkle in his eyes. Everyone understands that Dmitry is a good teammate.

What can be done to make Voronkov adapt better to the strongest league in the world?

“We are going to present it to Russians in Columbus,” Kekäläinen continued. — For example, we plan to attract former NHL defender Fedor Tyutin if he agrees to help us. He now lives in Ohio and was helping Marchenko and me when he was getting used to the team. Fedor is a good person and he played for the Blue Jackets.

It’s hard to be a foreigner in another country

The American observer notes that the loss of Voronkov will be a big blow for Columbus. This attacker is simply a giant. Height – 195 cm, weight – 109 kg. At the same time, he scores points. It is a unique fusion of physical strength, size and performance.

Having started the season in Cleveland (AHL), Voronkov was recalled on October 23, made his NHL debut three days later in a game against Montreal and has not missed a game since.

The biggest concern was his ability to maintain the NHL’s pace of play. But this does not constitute a serious problem. Voronkov moves better than one would expect given his data. He is the heaviest forward in Columbus history. But at the same time he reads well and understands the game.

If you look at the number of points per game, Voronkov (0.56) is second only to five hockey players of the club – Jack Roslovic (0.57), Ivan Provorov (0.59), Kirill Marchenko (0.60), Boone Jenner (0.60) and Zach Werenski (0.75).

And on the fingers of one hand you can list the newcomers who debuted in Columbus just as successfully. For example, the legendary Rick Nash gave the same start in the first 15 matches of his career. The Voronkov level is therefore immediately clear. And his physical data is simply incredible.

Kekäläinen says he has a lot of experience dealing with young players who are homesick at the start of their careers. He has worked in the NHL with Ottawa, St. Louis and Columbus since the mid-90s, but he also has personal experience.

Kekäläinen himself left Finland at a young age and entered Clarkson University in Potsdam (New York). He understands what it means to be a foreigner in another country.

“I remember my first year. After the first day of classes at the university, I was already mentally sitting on the plane back to Finland,” Kekäläinen said. “Then, of course, I felt better and, over time, I got used to it.”

In the night match, Columbus lost to Raleigh State (2:3). Voronkov played on the second line with Adam Fantilli and Patrik Laine. Scored no points with a -1 utility, but had two hits and spent 13.34 minutes on the ice.

Chernykh: “Today Voronkov will play in Columbus, he is not going anywhere”

To better understand Voronkov’s situation, I contacted his Russian agent. The interests of the hockey player are represented by Alexander Chernykh.

– How do you see this story?

— For now, I will say that Dmitry Voronkov will play for Columbus. He’s not coming back anywhere.

Yes, there are questions about adaptation. But it’s not like he packed his things and left. The Blue Jackets see him and talk to him. There is a dialogue. And today Voronkov has no plans to leave America. If such a situation arises, we will contact Columbus and take action. But we are not there yet.

— It’s not very clear what Voronkov is missing. There are three Russians in the team, he plays in the top 6 in leading roles.

— For example, you came to rest in a sanatorium. Three arrived and the fourth said: “I don’t like the treatment or the environment here. »

Voronkov has something to compare. He performed in Kazan, one of the best cities in Russia. With him, Ak Bars reached the seventh game of the Gagarin Cup final. Dima was a leader and everything went well for him.

Now in Columbus, he’s starting from scratch. There is a different culture and mentality there. It’s not so easy to get used to it and not everyone succeeds right away.

— Voronkov went to America alone?

– One. The parents remained in Russia. The daughter also studies at home.

You must know Dima. He is always sincere. Well, yes, there is such a moment – homesickness. And this has happened to many. I hope this will go away with time. And then you look – and this question has completely disappeared. But it also happens in the KHL when foreigners come to us. All conditions are created for them in Russia. But no, something is wrong. And someone comes back.

— “Ak Bars” significantly strengthened the attack after the departure of Voronkov: Dmitry Yashkin, Riley Barber, Damir Zhafyarov, Evgeniy Svechnikov arrived… If Dmitry returns, then where to put him? Where do you see it?

— In the first link, where are Ivan Safonov and Alexander Radulov. This trio produced results. She will be slowly resuscitated. Especially now, when Ak Bars, as hockey observers write, is in crisis. But I would call it a normal recession.

There will always be a place for Voronkov in Kazan. Also, who in Ak Bars plays well in goal? Yashkin is good in this role, but who else?

Everyone understands Dima’s value. And in the NHL, too, having learned that Voronkov was sad, other clubs immediately turned to Columbus with a request to trade this player to them. He can close the majority and becomes the leader of the attack.

— Voronkov understands that his NHL career went well? And breaking such a departure is simply a sin.

— There is no such thing as Dima wanting to give up everything and leave. He simply shared his thoughts with the team and talked about his emotional decline. But Voronkov is well aware that returning to the NHL a second time won’t be so easy. And there is something to lose.

He is a child with a big heart. Always open and honest. If he misses home, he talks about it openly. There is some discomfort. Chinakhov, Marchenko and Provorov help him. But it’s easier for Marchenko, he was leaving with his wife.

– Send him a girl to Columbus, it will be more fun together.

— She studies in Russia, and everything is not so simple. You have to get used to the people, to the mentality. Adaptation is normal for everyone. Voronkov is not a robot. And we think he will be able to cope with all this. Dima isn’t going anywhere yet, so don’t worry about him. And above all, even in the face of these problems, Voronkov remains a great professional, devoting himself entirely to his work. It has no effect on hockey itself. He works every shift.