Andrei Kuzmenko agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $5.5 million.
The 26-year-old rookie forward could have been an unrestricted free agent after the season. He’s tied for third on the Canucks with 43 points and second with 21 goals, his first season in North America after eight seasons in the Kontinenal Hockey League.
Kuzmenko signed a one-year, entry-level contract July 13. He had KHL career-highs of 20 goals, 33 assists and 53 points in 2021-22, his final season in Russia.
“Andrei is a player we worked extremely hard to recruit last summer,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. “He has been an excellent fit for our forward group this season, transitioning very well to the North American style of play. His passion and enthusiasm for the game has made a positive impact in the dressing room among his teammates and we are excited to watch him continue his career with the Vancouver Canucks.”
The Canucks (19-26-3) host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday (10 p.m. ET; SNP, BSOH, ESPN+, SN NOW). They are 1-1-0 since Rick Tocchet replaced Bruce Boudreau as coach on Sunday.
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