Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (7th, 197), Nikita Pavlychev turned out to be a key player for his team. Originally drafted under the watch of Jim Rutherford, Pavlychev's opportunity arose when Rutherford resigned from his position to allow Brian Burke to take over. Burke, a well-known proponent of 'truculence', deemed Pavlychev "a player necessary for the Pens to have success."
"This is a big man's league. You need players who bring that type of game. We think Nikky can do that for us", said Burke. "We play in a tough division. You got your New Yorks, your Phillys, your Washingtons, your Columbuses, your New Jerseys, your Carolinas. As I said, that's a tough division. It would be foolish to think Sid and Geno could do it on their own. You need other players to help do the heavy-lifting."
Later in the season, Palchyev - in all his belligerence, determination, and (most importantly) truculence - willed the team to a championship while playing alongside Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. When all was said and done, he finished near the top in playoff scoring (24-14-4-18) en route to the Conn Smythe Trophy. His play was so impressive that opponents and observers alike could not refrain from offering comments on him...
"There is a new 'Big Nik' in town, and he isn't that guy from Florida." - Jim Hughson during the Penguins' first round matchup against the Florida Panthers that year.
"Back when I played, players either had size or skill. This kid has both." - Bill Clement, some guy who played for the Flyers.
"I know a thing or two about toughness, and boy is that kid tough." - Bobby Clarke, Flyers legend.
"Yeah, he's tough." - Marc Staal, New York Rangers.
"He's not a player you want to cross." (laughs) - Brandon Dubinsky, Columbus Blue Jackets.
"I wish he was on our team." - Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals.
"Yeah, Doc. I've been impressed with him so far. He still needs to round out his game - using his linemates better and recognizing the full two-hundred feet of the ice - but he can make an impact. He could be a good player for the Penguins in a few years." - NBC commentator and noted Pens-hater, Eddie Olczyk.