The Winnipeg Jets front office has had an incredible week this week. Besides signing Neal Pionk, Andrew Copp, and Johnathan Kovacevic they have also been in the rumor mill regarding being interested in signing Evgeny Svechnikov.
Today the Jets completed another signing this afternoon, but this signing is one for the future for the Winnipeg Jets rather than one that would have an impact right away.
The Jets have signed Dmitry Kuzmin, who was their third-round pick of this summer’s 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Dmitry Kuzmin has signed an entry level contract with the Winnipeg Jets
Kuzmin’s first contract with the Jets carries an average annual value (“AAV”) of $866,667 at the NHL level and Puck Pedia reports the deal has a minor’s salary of $80,000.
✍️The #NHLJets have signed defenceman Dmitry Kuzmin to a three-year, entry level contract!
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 15, 2021
DETAILS: https://t.co/3j5QnAKQ73 pic.twitter.com/zvx0NThWRo
Before the 2020-2021 season, Kuzmin signed an agreement to play with the Flint Firebirds in the OHL but instead played in his home country of Belarus with Dinamo-Molodechno due to the OHL season being canceled due to the pandemic.
The eighteen-year-old played well during the 2021 season as he played in 46 regular season games for Dinamo-Molodechno and scored three goals while adding six assists.
Kuzmin, a left-shot defenseman, also got to represent Belarus on the international stage last season at the under-eighteen world championships. Kuzmin played outstanding at the prestigious tournament scoring one goal, had four assists, and a plus-three plus/minus in five games.
There has been no indication on where Kuzmin will apply his trade for the 2021-2022 season. It will be interesting to see where Kuzmin ultimately plays. We could see him make the jump to North America or he may continue in Europe.
Kuzmin’s signing marks him as the first player from the Jets’ four-player 2021 draft class that has signed a deal with Winnipeg. Stay tuned to our site for more Winnipeg Jets offseason news!
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your initial thoughts on the Jets signing Dmitry Kuzmin? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by Elite Prospects*