Andrei Kuzmenko has chosen the Canucks.
Vancouver basic supervisor Patrik Allvin mentioned Monday that Kuzmenko has dedicated to signal with the NHL group when free company opens July 13.
The Russian winger’s agent, Dan Milstein, tweeted earlier Monday his shopper intends to signal with Vancouver, and Kuzmenko additionally posted an image on Instagram of himself in a Canucks jersey.
The 26-year-old Kuzmenko had 20 objectives and 53 factors in 45 video games with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League in 2021-22.
Kuzmenko, who was by no means drafted into the NHL, added seven objectives and 7 assists in 16 playoff contests.
He reportedly visited a handful of groups inquisitive about his companies earlier than deciding on the Canucks.
“We wish to thank all of the groups that we met with for his or her time and curiosity,” Milstein mentioned in a press release launched by the Canucks. “We had been impressed by what the Canucks group desires to perform and the profitable tradition they’re constructing. Andrei felt an excellent reference to the administration group and is trying ahead to taking part in for (coach) Bruce Boudreau.”
Kuzmenko spent eight seasons taking part in within the Russian-based KHL, together with the final 4 with St. Petersburg after starting his profession with CSKA Moscow.
The five-foot-11, 194-pound native of Yakutsk, Russia, performed for his nation on the 2016 world juniors, however didn’t register some extent in seven video games.
“I’ve been watching Andrei since his 2014-15 season and have been impressed along with his improvement and enchancment on the ice,” Allvin mentioned in a press release. “As soon as the contract particulars are finalized, we look ahead to welcoming him to the Canucks group and serving to him proceed to develop as a hockey participant.”
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