A Winning Habit
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Montreal Canadiens: Hunter Shinkaruk brings more skill but is another hopeful

By Omar L|
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 28: Hunter Shinkaruk #49 of the Calgary Flames reacts after a goal by teammate TJ Brodie against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Gila River Arena on March 28, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Shinkaruk had an assist on the goal. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 28: Hunter Shinkaruk #49 of the Calgary Flames reacts after a goal by teammate TJ Brodie against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Gila River Arena on March 28, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Shinkaruk had an assist on the goal. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Montreal Canadiens
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 28: (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Playing Fast

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He may not be the fastest skater, but Shinkaruk definitely plays fast when he’s on his game. He has a tendency to recognize a small hole and windows of opportunity and make an attempt to capitalize on them. Whether it’s calming down a bouncing puck previously in an opponent’s possession or getting around defenders to make a drive to the net.

Another thing that stands out about him is his ability to be in the position to score on empty-netters. This happened a lot in his first two seasons in the AHL where Shinkaruk would be around the net and easily score while the goaltender is nowhere within range. It’s not as if he’s just standing there. Shinkaruk does his part as well generally with give-and-go passes behind the net that force the goalie in net to move around a lot.

Having him play with someone who was an affinity for passing may be a good way to jumpstart things for the 2018-19 season. He also gets a decent amount of shots on net which is further proof of what playing with a playmaker can do. And if it’s not an actual shot, his willingness to go and stay in the slot has led to some positive deflections go his way.

The only downside is that with the number of players on Laval this season, there’s no guarantee he gets into the lineup every night. He can change that based on what he brings to the table, but there are going to be names ahead of him. Perhaps this is the break Shinkaruk needs to get back to being a player to talk about.

It also helps that he is (was) a fan.

The easiest place to start will be where he was in 2016 after hitting 20 goals for the first time. Maybe the exact numbers won’t come Shinkaruk’s way, but consistent play is what is going to get him noticed. If he does that, there may still be hope for what the Cancucks initially saw in him five years ago.

Acknowledgements: Player stats from eliteprospects.com.

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