Vyacheslav Smirnov: The Greatest Offensive Rookie Nobody talks about

[Jubis 1,349]

ROOKING LEGEND : Vyacheslav Smirnov

The Greatest Offensive Rookie Nobody talks about

 

 

The Victory Hockey League (VHL) has a rich history of exceptional rookie seasons, but in my opinion one player's achievements have flown under the radar and that is Mr. Vyacheslav Smirnov. Despite Christian Stolzschweiger's being recognized as the greatest rookie of all.time. 

Stolzschweiger's Rookie Season Stats (S2)

- 72 goals
- 68 assists
- 140 points
- +53 plus/minus

For many seasons , Stolzschweiger's stats were the gold standard. They appeared to be unbeatable. The Christian Stolzschweiger Rookie of the Year Trophy solidifies his legacy. Having a trophy named after you has to be one of the greatest honors. No rookie was able to even touch his weight class until 16 seasons later. When another rookie  burst onto the scene and who had potentially also the greatest rookie season , this was VHL  legend Jardy Buclewirth. 

 

Jardy Bunclewirth's Rookie Season  Stats (S18)

- 54 goals
- 78 assists
- 132 points
- +60 plus/minus

Bunclewirth's impressive stats made him a strong contender for the best rookie.of all time. His +60 plus/minus remains the second-best, surpassed only by most receng ROTY winner S95 Maverick Goncalves who was a +69.

 

Vyacheslav Smirnov's Rookie Season (S62)

- 63 goals
- 86 assists
- 149 points
- +18 plus/minus

Smirnov's point total surpasses Stolzschweiger's point total record, cementing his status as the greatest offensive rookie. His elite goal-scoring and exceptional playmaking left the VHL community in awe. No disrespect but I had never heard of him in all my time in the VHL.  I am perhaps not as active as I was when I first joined , so that may not help my knowledge. 

 

The feat of achieving 100 points as a rookie is rare, accomplished only 14 times in VHL history. The most recent player to  eclipse 100 points as a rookie was NIls Godland. He was the S82 ROTY.  (53G, 78A, 131P, +65).

 

Enough rambling, I know.i am.all.over the place.

So  am i crazy ? What sets Smirnov apart?
Don't answer the first question. 

1. Highest  rookie point total: 149 points (#1 ranked)
2. Elite goal-scoring: 63 goals. (#2 ranked)
3. Exceptional playmaking: 86 assists.(#1 ranked)  most by a rookie
4. Immediate impact: Smirnov dominated from the start.

Smirnov's record-breaking season raises questions:
- Why hasn't he received the recognition he deserves?
- Will future rookies challenge his supremacy?
- How will Smirnov's legacy impact the VHL?

Vyacheslav Smirnov's rookie season redefined expectations,  and again in my opinion solidifies his status as the greatest rookie of all time. It's time to recognize his achievements and give him the accolades he deserves. I am not sure why he retired early after just 6 seasons. Imagine if his career was not cut short ?  

Would I be discussing his career as one of the elite players to ever play , possibly.  Smirnov was on pace for over 700 points. 

Smirnov's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest achievements go unnoticed. It's time to rectify this oversight and celebrate Vyacheslav Smirnov as the greatest rookie in VHL history.  Wait, what he is not even in the HOF ?  He's no Theo fleury. But Come on. I know it's career as a whole but  Get smirnov in the hall !!!! If only because I took the time to ramble.  His rookie season point total record may never he broken. 

Edited November 6 by Jubis