"I'm going to try to do everything I can to make the team," Afanasyev said during development camp in July.
Chosen in the second round (No. 45) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Afanasyev had a solid first season in the Nashville organization. He had 33 points in 74 games for Milwaukee of the American Hockey League last season, finishing eighth on the Admirals in goals (12) and seventh in assists (21).
"This was my first pro North American season, and I think it was a good, successful season," Afanasyev said. "I took a lot out of the season, being a pro, knowing how to approach the game, learning a lot from the older guys. I think it was a great experience."
The Tver, Russia native played the previous season for CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League and had six points (two goals, four assists) in 16 games. Milwaukee coach Karl Taylor said Afanasyev made strides in 2021-22, improving his defensive play and ability to play without the puck. He had 147 shots on goal, third on the Admirals behind Cody Glass (165) and Cole Schneider (157). His shooting percentage was 8.2 percent.
"He's got a great shot," Taylor said. "He's always had it. We'd like to see him hit the net a little more. That's the focus for him because he can rip it. We get that percentage up a little higher and he's going to up his goal total for sure, and also his assist total with second-chance opportunities for his linemates."
Afanasyev (6-foot-4, 211 pounds) wants to take more advantage of his large frame as well.
"[I want to] be tougher, be stronger because I've got to push the guys around," Afanasyev said. "I'm a big body, so just show the coaches what I can do in … training camp, rookie tournaments. I've got to be tough."
Said Predators assistant general manager Scott Nichol: "I thought by the end of the year and the (Calder Cup) playoffs, he was more assertive, more aggressive, winning more puck battles and then using his skill and his size to take the puck to the net."
Though the Predators signed forward Nino Niederreiter to a two-year contract July 21, the departures of forwards Luke Kunin, Nick Cousins and Matt Luff could create opportunities Afanasyev either on Nashville's opening-night roster or as a call-up during the season.
"That's encouragement every day, motivation," Afanayev said. "You wake up sometimes being lazy in the summer. You got to turn that switch and be motivated every day because you know everyone wants to play in the NHL. I'm one of those guys who wants to be up there."
