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Q & A: Nikita Tryamkin on his first 10 games with Canucks
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Jeff Paterson
Apr 6, 2016, 11:00 EDTUpdated:
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For the first time since his introductory media availability after his first practice with the Vancouver Canucks at UBC last month, Nikita Tryamkin spoke publicly about his first 10 games in the National Hockey League on Tuesday. With the help of a translator, the big Russian defenseman did his best to answer questions about the experiences he’s had in his first month on the new job and about the transition to life in North America. The following is a transcript from the eight-minute interview in the Canucks locker room at Rogers Arena.
What have the last few weeks been like?
Everything has been fantastic
Has it been tough to communicate on the ice with coaches and teammates?
Andrey Pedan has been helping him a lot and all the team members have been trying to communicate with him, so it has been very easy
How much more comfortable is he now than game one?
A lot more 
What has been the biggest adjustment on the ice?
The size of the rink 
Does he realize he can use his size and stick length to break up plays?
He understands that now and will try to use those factors to benefit his play
When this season wraps up, what does he want to work on most heading into the summer?
He wants to work on his physical strength to play a better game next season
What are his plans: will he stay here in Vancouver or head home when the season is done?
Once the season is done, he’s heading home for his wedding (April 30th) and then he’ll return to Vancouver for the summer to train for next season
What’s the reaction been like back home? Is he getting a lot of attention?
There is a lot of media attention on him and his family and his fiancée are all watching eagerly 
Does he feel confident enough hitting players in this league?
He tries to answer aggression with aggression and he’s feeling more confident about that
Has he had a chance to explore Vancouver at all away from the rink?
In the evening when there isn’t a lot to do, he walks around the city and says it’s very beautiful
Has he been recognized?
Yes. People ask for autographs and pictures
Is he enjoying the experience?
Yes
It’s only been 10 games, but does he feel he belongs in the NHL?
He can’t really say personally, but if the coaches think he is good enough he will continue to play
Has he been angry? Has anyone on the ice made him mad?
No, everybody is very good.
Does he get mad? He looks calm out there.
No.
There was a shift in overtime in Nashville where he played two minutes on the penalty kill. What was that experience like?
He knew he had to stay out there and everything ended well. It was a little tiring 
Was it difficult because the team didn’t win for a while when he first arrived?
Of course, it’s tough. It was tough on the spirit, but the team has been able to overcome it the last few games and it felt a lot better afterwards.

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