Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov's Early-Season Struggles are Glaring
As the Carolina Hurricanes navigate the early stages of the 2025-26 NHL season, a worrying trend has emerged regarding one of their key players: Andrei Svechnikov. After eight games, the team holds a solid 6-2-0 record, placing them just two points behind the New Jersey Devils. Seventeen of the 23 skaters have contributed at least one point. However, Svechnikov, a high-profile forward, has yet to register a single point.
Svechnikov's slow start is particularly concerning given his status as the third-highest-paid player on the team, with a $7.75 million contract. Selected second overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, expectations have always been high for the young Russian winger. The hope was that he would consistently score 30 to 40 goals per season and accumulate around 65 or more points.
In the 2024-25 season, Svechnikov scored 20 goals and recorded 48 points in 72 games. While his goal-scoring ability has remained relatively consistent, his overall point production has declined since his 69-point season in 2021-22. Following the 2025 playoffs, where he tallied eight goals and 12 points, there was hope that Svechnikov had rediscovered his scoring touch. However, his current slump has raised questions about his consistency and overall impact on the team.
One of the glaring issues in Svechnikov's game is his performance at even strength. Last season, he scored 10 goals on the power play but only managed another 10 during 5-on-5 play, with five of those being scored on empty nets. Since tearing his ACL during the 2022-23 season, his point totals have also decreased.
Several factors could be contributing to Svechnikov's early-season struggles. It is possible that he has not yet found chemistry with his linemates, which has impacted his ability to generate scoring chances. Others have noted that Svechnikov tends to play on the perimeter, and lacks the "grind" needed for regular season success. Coach Rod Brind'Amour demands a high level of accountability and effort from his players every night, and it has been suggested that Svechnikov may struggle under this demanding coaching style.
Despite the concerns surrounding Svechnikov's slow start, some analysts caution against overreacting. It is still early in the season, and he has the potential to turn things around. Trading Svechnikov is not seen as a viable option. The Hurricanes need him to be a key contributor if they want to compete for a Stanley Cup. The team's leadership group will likely play a crucial role in helping Svechnikov regain his confidence and find his game.
For now, the Hurricanes and their fans can only hope that Andrei Svechnikov can overcome his early-season struggles and live up to his potential.
