Tanner Laczynski has emerged as a key piece for the Henderson Silver Knights this season, helping anchor a lineup built on a blend of prospects and veteran players.
Related: Henderson Silver Knights Q&A: Head Coach Ryan Craig
Henderson enters the final stretch of the season two points behind the Tucson Roadrunners for the final Pacific Division playoff spot, aiming for its first postseason appearance since 2022.
I talked to Laczynski going over an array of questions including where his game stands, the team and what the final push to the playoffs is going to look like.
Tanner Laczynski Q & A:
THW: First off, how have you seen yourself and the team progress this season?
Laczynski: “I think, personally, I’ve had a good season. I feel like I’ve been pretty consistent. But overall, as a team, we’re just outside the playoffs right now, and we have 27 games left to make a push. I think it’s important to get points sooner rather than later and not have it come down to the last game of the season — kind of hold ourselves accountable. Especially over this next stretch before a pretty crazy March, these are important games before things get hectic and we play 16 games in 30 days. We’ve just got to take it one game at a time and start stacking wins together.”
THW: How do you think the team has handled the many ups and downs the AHL offers throughout this season to this point?
Laczynski: “Obviously you’re not going to be perfect every night. I think that’s one of the things I’ve been trying to tell some of the young guys: there are nights when you’re not going to feel 100% or feel right, and that’s when you need to simplify your game, go back to the basics and do whatever it takes to win your shift. At the end of the game, I think you’ll be pretty happy, because 99% of the time you’re winning those games.”
THW: You mention the youth, what’s it been like playing on a team that has tons of young guys?
Laczynski: It’s exciting — it’s fun to see guys grow as players, and if you can have any part in that, that’s awesome. When I’m here, I’m just trying to help the young guys succeed and grow their games any way I can. I’ve been on the same line as Hammer (Hemmerling) all year, so just talking with him has helped a lot. He’s been outstanding this season — he asks questions, knows where I like to be on the ice, and I know what he’s going to do out there, which makes things easier. Communication is the biggest part — talking through situations or what you saw after a shift — and just trying to build from that.
THW: Is there anything that you’ve been preaching to them this season or specific conversations you’ve had?
Laczynski: “I think hockey is a game of slumps and ups and downs — not everyone’s game is Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby. Everyone goes through stretches where the puck just isn’t going in, but it’s about sticking with it. It’s funny how the game works: sometimes you get one opportunity in two or three games and it ends up in the back of the net, and other times you feel like you’re doing everything right, getting all these chances. I think it comes down to finding consistency, sticking with it and being ready and available every night. That’s what’s going to bode well for young guys long-term.”
THW: On the flip side of that what’s it been like to be with some veteran guys like Dylan Coghlan, Jaycob Megna and the others?
Laczynski: Yeah, it’s been good. Bringing in some new guys, along with guys who have already been in the program — players who’ve been on winning teams, played NHL games and been around winning cultures — really helps the locker room and gives the young guys a better understanding of what it takes. It’s been a good mix of older guys and younger guys for sure. As for myself, I think I’ve evolved as a leader by trying to lead more through communication and experience, just helping guys along and doing whatever I can to support the group.
THW: You mention yourself evolving as a leader, can you touch a little bit more on what that’s been like for you this season?
Laczynski: “Obviously for me, I’m not the most vocal, hooray guy in the locker room. I think I do a good job connecting with the young guys and just talking — not even about hockey sometimes, just life in general. That’s how you get to know them and how they see who you are off the ice as well as on it. I try to show up every day, work hard in practice and do the same thing during games. I try to lead by example, doing the little things that might not always get noticed but are a big part of winning, and just being more consistent with that throughout the year.”
THW: 27 games left this season, what do you hope to continue or want to see to finish out this season strong and ultimately make the playoffs?
Laczynski: “Honestly, I just hope we compete every night. I think we have a great group of guys and a really good team, and we can do something special. At the end of the day, we only have a couple more games left in February, so we need a strong finish to the month. Then things ramp up in March with longer road trips and less practice time, so it’ll be a good chance for us to bond on the road, pick up some wins and build off that.”
