Meet Your Manitoba Moose, Part One: Scott Kosmachuk
By Jeremy Wiebe
8 years agoThis five-part series will focus on the players that will don the Manitoba Moose jersey in 2015-16. While these players may see time with the Winnipeg Jets next season, they will likely make up the core of the farm team that will be heading to the Manitoba capital. Part 1 features Scott Kosmachuk.
If you’re looking for goals on the Manitoba Moose, then Scott Kosmachuk is the player to watch. While the third round pick in the 2012 entry draft didn’t put up big numbers in his first year in the AHL, (14G, 14A in 70 games) it is expected that the former Guelph Storm junior star will greatly improve his numbers from last season.
Kosmachuk isn’t the biggest player on the ice, but the 5-11, 185 pound winger isn’t afraid to go into the corner and get his nose dirty. He possesses a good shot and he knows how to find openings in the slot.
What would help Kosmachuk is consistent linemates. The 21-year-old went through a variety of combinations and roles that often left him confused. Kosmachuk needs a setup man that he can find some chemistry with in order to be successful. It is possible that the Toronto native may be on a line with Nic Petan if Petan doesn’t make the big club out of camp.
Kosmachuk admitted the adjustment from junior to the AHL was a challenge as he explained in a recent interview he did with TSN 1290:
It was a great experience, a good learning curve. Coming out of junior obviously you’re expecting to be a little tougher playing against older, stronger, faster guys They obviously have all that with the skill, you know you’re not one of the top guys in the league anymore you start at the bottom again like you did in junior. It was a great first year, I had a lot of fun, definitely picked up a few things from coach Keith (McCambridge) and Jason King. They’re great guys to have there as they really develop you, it’s what the league is all about.
So what can Moose fans expect from KosmachuK?
They can expect a high-energy, offensive minded player who is more physical than his frame indicates. They will also see a young player with an ability to grow but still has plenty to learn. Kosmachuk should benefit from last year’s experience as well as playing in Winnipeg this season. Time is on his side and with his potential, Kosmachuk could become a fan-favourite with the Moose faithful.
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