Following a return to the NHL after some time spent in Russia, Evgeni Dadonov was called upon to replace Jaromir Jagr on the top line for the Florida Panthers.
After returning to the team who originally drafted him back in 2007, many expectations were placed on Dadonov to perform. His first go-around with the Cats ended in failure, as the Russian native failed to adapt to new life in Sunrise, Florida. Fast forward six seasons later, and you get a more complete Evgeni Dadonov returning to Florida.
Throughout the 2017-18 campaign, Evgeni set career-highs in goals (28), assists (37), and points (65), all while playing in 74 contests. The 74 games that he featured in was also a career-high as well. For the start of his new season back, Dadonov was slotted next to Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov, as the trio combined for the Panthers’ new first line.
Without much to say, the three got off to wonderful starts, producing at elite-level rates. Unfortunately, their time together on the top line was short, as Bob Boughner decided to drop Huberdeau down to the second line, while placing Nick Bjugstad on the first. The new first line of Dadonov-Barkov-Bjugstad adapted well, and experienced little struggles. Evgeni continued producing at a solid rate, and the Panthers were only climbing the standings from there onwards.
Even despite going down with an injury, which caused Dadonov to miss 8 games, nothing was going to stop the then 28-year-old from lighting the lamp 28 times. One particular game where Dadonov tore it up was against the
back on February 24th, where he recorded his first career NHL hat trick:
There were many instances of Dadonov being a difference maker, but what was particularly special about his performance in this match was his ability to find the net. It seemed like every shot he took was going in, which ended up being the case as his shooting percentage (S%) that night was 100%.
What was also impressive was his CF% figure. In his first year back, Evgeni Dadonov recorded a 53.6%, which ranked first among all players on the Florida Panthers. Along with his strong Corsi rate, Dadonov also stood tall in Fenwick (FF%) at 54.7%, as well as in Relative Corsi For (CF% Rel) at 6.3%. His analytic numbers were strong for a player who just returned to the NHL, signaling that his overall game has improved, thus implying that he’s certainly (without a doubt) NHL material.
His time in the KHL certainly benefitted him, allowing him to round out his game in a league that he could handle. While his first attempt in the NHL wasn’t successful, it shouldn’t go without notice that without his move back to Russia, Evgeni Dadonov may have not blossomed into what he is today.
Moving forward into next season, Dadonov will have tons of confidence built up, which should allow him to produce another 60+ point year. Whether he’s paired with Huberdeau and Barkov or not, Evgeni can play in multiple roles up front, allowing for more flexibility between line balancing. Regardless, whether it’s on line #1 or #2, Dadonov will be a serviceable player, and one who can be counted on in every moment of a hockey game.
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In closing, his return back to the NHL was certainly a success, and one that should be a great framework to build around. While he may be underlooked throughout the Panthers’ roster, he definitely isn’t undervalued!