Canucks: Highly-coveted Russian free-agent Andrei Kuzmenko to sign in Vancouver
Kuzmenko #Kuzmenko
Breadcrumb Trail Links
Kuzmenko’s ability to keep pace and execute with skilled linemates will bring an added dimension. Those who have closely monitored the Russian call him “an incredible passer” and “very smart.”
Russia’s Andrei Kuzmenko celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Channel One Cup ice hockey match between Russia and Czech Republic in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Photo by Pavel Golovkin /AP Article content
The picture was worth 1,000 words. There was free agent Andrei Kuzmenko on his Instagram account Monday. With pen in hand, and clad in a Vancouver Canucks jersey, he was poised to take his next career step.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
All the Kontinental Hockey League veteran has to do is sign on the dotted line — once contract details are reached because he can’t technically sign until July 13 — to make it official that the Canucks had successfully ended their long pursuit of the highly-coveted winger.
Kuzmenko plays the left side but shoots right. That alone brings up several tantalizing roster options and curiosity of where the Canucks are headed in contract extensions for J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser.
Kuzmenko, 26, had 20 goals and 33 assists in 45 games for SKA St. Petersburg this past season. There’s little risk on what will eventually be a one-year, entry-level deal because with eight seasons in the KHL, he’s a known commodity and this is far from a reach.
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
It’s why the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Nashville Predators were also wooing the 5-foot-11, 194 pound forward.
The Canucks obviously need to add top-six players on palatable contracts and Kuzmenko’s ability to keep pace and execute with skilled linemates will bring an added dimension. Those who have closely monitored Kuzmenko call him “an incredible passer” and “very smart.”
He also played three KHL seasons with Canucks winger Vasily Podkolzin, and not only will that bring a possible reunion on the same line, having a countryman on the bench and in the room is another bonus for comfort and camaraderie.
Kuzmenko’s agent Dan Milstein recently told the Canucks Conversation podcast that wouldn’t be the deciding factor in where his client landed. But it’s not a stretch to suggest that some familiarity helps.
Advertisement 5
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content 
Russia’s forward Andrei Kuzmenko celebrates a goal during the Channel One Cup of the Euro Hockey Tour ice hockey match between Russia and Sweden at CSKA Arena in Moscow on Dec. 17, 2020. Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV /AFP via Getty Images
“The hockey business is fairly small, so everybody has played with everybody or against each other,” said Milstein. “When we look at coming to North America we don’t select the team just because of somebody you used to play with on that particular team. It isn’t a major focal point.”
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin first saw Kuzmenko play in 2013 when he was the director of European scouting for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The winger obviously made the right impression because he’s been on NHL radars for years.
Milstein knew the Canucks had serious interest in his client and a whirlwind visit to Vancouver late last weekend at posh dining spots and a tour of the city cemented the deal.
“We’ve been talking to Vancouver executives for a very long time,” said Milstein. “It’s a great city, very passionate fans, a good place to play, a good team, good coaching and stable management. Fans in Vancouver should be excited for many years on what’s to come. Based on what I’ve heard, I’m excited.
Advertisement 6
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“I expect (Kuzmenko) to be a top-six forward, he can play on the power play. He’s very strong, he’s a hard worker, he plays on both sides of the ice and we expect him to make an impact from early on.”
Kuzmenko became a free agent when his four-year deal with SKA concluded. He broke into the KHL with CSKA Moscow in 2014-15 as an 18-year-old after coming up through their junior system.
Confirming Andrey Kuzmenko’s intent to sign with Vancouver Canucks. Contract details to be worked out soon. #WeAreGoldStar!
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) June 20, 2022 Advertisement 7
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
More to come …
— with a file from Patrick Johnston
bkuzma@postmedia.comtwitter.com/@benkuzma
Canucks: Could Mike Yeo be in play for Bruce Boudreau’s assistant coach? 
Canucks dismiss communications boss Chris Brumwell 
Ex-Canuck, NHLer Mark Kirton doesn’t want pity, but progress pushing for ALS cure 
Canucks Under the Microscope: Elias Pettersson 
Canucks Under the Microscope: Quinn Hughes 
Canucks Under the Microscope: Oliver Ekman-Larsson 
Canucks Under the Microscope: Bo Horvat 
Canucks Under the Microscope: Tyler Myers 
Canucks Under the Microscope: Luke Schenn Share this article in your social network Advertisement 1
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up!
Comments
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.