At the beginning of the season, the 23-year-old forward started on the third line alongside linemates Sam Lafferty and Jason Dickinson, who played in his first game with Chicago on Oct. 15. Once Tyler Johnson was placed on IR on Oct. 27, head coach Luke Richardson and the coaching staff made the decision to move Kurashev to the second line.
After joining Jonathan Toews and Taylor Raddysh, Toews noted the production that Kurashev has made in his new line and the chemistry that they are building.
"I think since [Johnson] got hurt, [Kurashev] has been great," Toews said. "There's plays to be made with those two guys every time we're out there pretty much. I think we're really starting to feed off each other."
Last season, the Swiss native played a season-high of 18:36 against the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 4. This season, he is currently playing played a season-high of 19:51 and has played 18 minutes or higher four times in his last eight games.
Raddysh also pointed out the confidence that Kurashev has shown in his playing style throughout the different lines. Not only is he helping offensively, but also playing a harder defensive style as well.
"He's just playing a lot more confident and he's just kind of been fast on plays everywhere and just really creating a lot offensively and playing a hard game defensively as well," Raddysh said. "I feel like that's something he's brought this year and it's been a great to see and a great guy to have on your line for sure."
The decision to move the young forward came from Richardson to help create more playmaking styles. He notes Kurashev's speed is a strong suit in helping him move the puck faster to create more cycles within the offensive zone.
"He fits in everywhere," Richardson said. "He's one of those utility guys. Every line he's been on this year, he kind of helps makes them better. We just thought we could move him around and have a look somewhere else and see what he can bring."
During the team's road trip against the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks, Kurashev saw some ice time playing on the first line alongside Patrick Kane and Max Domi. Richardson noted the slight change to accommodate Kane's style of play with Kurashev's play making abilities.
While playing with some familiar faces the past few seasons, Kurashev attributes the success of the line changes after building some chemistry with his fellow teammates.
"I think we just tried to play the same way and try to take what's open," Kurashev said. "For me, I try not to think too much and just rely on my instincts and do what I feel is the best play and obviously, try to get some chemistry with all those guys."
After the first line callup, Kurashev stated that he is just trying to play the same way he always does but not try to overthink it. Playing on the first line comes with a lot of expectations but he wants to prove why the team can trust him no matter where he is placed.
"They expect obviously a lot of things from the first line, Kurashev said. "I just try to make the most of this ice time that they're trusting me with. You want to [show] the coaches that they can put you in every position and in every situation in the game so there's a lot that comes with that."
