After a difficult season in the NHL, Filipp Kurashev wants to gain new momentum at the World Cup in Finland.
Philip Kurashev looks back on a very mixed season in the NHL. The forward, who has been playing for the Chicago Blackhawks since January 2021, hasn’t really gone into his second year in the world’s best league. With 6 goals and 15 assists in 67 games, he did not play a major role in the team.
“It was hard enough for me, the line-up went up and down,” Kurashev looks back. “Even as a team, we never really came into the season. It wasn’t good enough. Now we look forward to a good summer and we can present ourselves better next season.” can. »
AHL spins as inspiration
The low point for Kurashev was when he was transferred to the AHL with the Rockford Icehogs. But the 22-year-old also saw something positive in it: “You have to take that as inspiration. Show your best hockey out there and then get back to the NHL as soon as possible. Luckily I managed to do that and it gave me confidence for the rest of the season.”
Parade Line with Hishier and Mayor
Kurashev is currently playing with the Swiss national team at the World Cup in Finland. In Patrick Fischer’s team, he plays a completely different role than in Chicago. Along with other NHL players Timo Meier and Nico Hisier, he plays at the 1st Block, Swiss Parade Line.
“We played together in the last World Cup and already know a little bit about who is where. But of course there is still room for improvement and we will see that we take another step against Canada.” After 4 wins, Switzerland on Saturday has its toughest World Cup match yet.
The aim is to play well here and achieve something with the team.
In games against the North Americans, Kurashev, who has recorded one goal and two assists in the World Cup so far, wants to continue promoting himself. Because his contract in Chicago is about to expire. “The goal is to play well here and achieve something with the team. Of course I hope I can sign another contract. But I don’t want to worry too much now.”
