The Calgary Flames have signed one of their top prospects from the 2020 draft, inking defenseman Yan Kuznetsov to a three-year, entry-level deal. The 19-year-old out of the University of Connecticut will join the Stockton Heat of the AHL.
Kuznetsov was the team’s second-round pick in this past year’s entry draft (50th overall) and already has two years of collegiate experience. The blueliner is best known for his size, standing at 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, making him pro ready immediately and is known for his physical play on the boards as well as his long reach. He scored two goals and 11 points as a freshman with the Huskies and followed that up with a goal and six points in 16 games this season.
The defenseman will play in the AHL and since he’s 19 years old, he can play for the Heat for the remainder of the season without burning the first year of his entry-level contract. Kuznetsov will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine to join Stockton.