Coveted free-agent forward Andrei Kuzmenko to sign with Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks landed coveted free-agent forward Andrei Kuzmenko.
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His agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed the news, adding that the contract details will be worked out soon. Kuzmenko, 26, can only sign a one-year, entry-level deal at a maximum of $925,000 because of his age.
He can't officially put pen to paper until the free-agent signing period begins July 13, per TSN's Pierre Lebrun.
Kuzmenko reportedly also interviewed with the Edmonton Oilers and two American teams. The Canucks held the edge thanks in part to head coach Bruce Boudreau making the effort to meet and speak with him, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Milstein added that Kuzmenko had a strong connection with general manager Patrik Allvin, per CHEK TV's Rick Dhaliwal.
Kuzmenko enjoyed a breakout season with the KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg in 2021-22. The winger finished second in the league's points race with 20 goals and 33 assists in 45 games. Kuzmenko continued to impress in the playoffs, recording seven goals and seven assists in 16 contests.
He played the last four seasons with SKA Saint Petersburg after spending his first four campaigns with CSKA Moscow. He captured a silver medal with Russia at the world juniors in 2016.
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