THE Winnipeg Jets reassigned forward Danny Zhilkin to the AHL Friday afternoon following the 22-year-old’s NHL debut earlier this month.
The Russian winger played four matches with the Jetsaveraging seven to ten minutes of ice time per game. Although he didn’t score a point, he finished plus-two and showed promise in a bottom-six role. Zhilkin will now look to continue his momentum in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose before a tough matchup against the league-leading Grand Rapids Griffins.
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Speaking to the media shortly after announcing his demotion, Zhilkin was thoughtful but positive about the experience. “It was awesome,” he said, calling his two weeks with the team “an incredible experience.”
He added that the opportunity was meaningful, noting that it was rewarding to see his hard work pay off. “It was a dream come true,” Zhilkin said.
Zhilkin also spoke about forming an early bond with fellow Russian Vladislav Namestnikov, who mentored him before his NHL debut. “Yeah, he was great, he gave me some advice before my first game, to just go play and enjoy, you have a first game in the NHL,” Zhilkin explained of his relationship with Namestnikov. “He’s been a big help for sure, he’s an amazing guy and a good player.”
The young winger said adjusting to NHL play hasn’t been as difficult as he expected. He found some aspects easier, thanks in part to the quick thinking of his NHL teammates.
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“Whenever I wanted to put the puck in a certain spot, my teammates were always able to get in the right spots,” he said, adding that he was impressed by the speed and precision of puck movement at the NHL level.
Zhilkin also enjoyed playing in front of larger crowds at the Canada Life Centre. “It’s cool, they provide so much energy and it’s good to play in front of this crowd,” he said, laughing about a match where he caught the crowd doing the wave. He admitted that playing in front Jets fans gave him goosebumps.
Upon his return to the Moose, Zhilkin will face a tough challenge against the Grand Rapids Griffins, who finished tied for the best start to an AHL season through 35 games. He hopes to bring confidence and new skills to the Manitoba roster.
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Zhilkin and the Manitoba Moose return to the ice Friday night at the Canada Life Center to host Grand Rapids. Tickets for the match are available at moosehockey.com/tickets/single-game-tickets/
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