Andrei Kuzmenko has been improving his point totals for seven straight seasons, now sitting second in KHL scoring for 21-22. His p/g has exceeded the league average for five straight seasons. At 5’11” and 194 pounds, he’s able to use leverage in puck battles and shoot heavy from tight to his body.

Andrei Kuzmenko’s ability to dance through defenders

The biggest name not in the NHL was on the market in free agency this summer: Andrei Kuzmenko. Originally from Yakutsk, Russia, Kuzmenko plied his trade in the KHL and was highly sought after by several teams. While he tested the waters of free agency this summer and picked the brains of several NHL front offices, he ultimately chose to stay in the KHL.

Kuzmenko, 26, played for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL this season. He had a career-high 20 goals and 53 points and added seven in the playoffs. He had previously played for the Russian national team and went undrafted in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Canucks were reportedly the frontrunners to sign the 5-foot-11, 194-pound forward.

Despite his offensive ability, Kuzmenko’s defense is lacking. He’s not good at creating rebounds or creating stops. He often blows up the zone in his own end and relies on his teammates’ skill to create chances. Although he works hard on the backcheck, he is often dispersed on broken plays. This is problematic considering most of the NHL’s offensive game is counter-attacking.

His ability to find open space in the offensive zone

One of the most impressive things about Kuzmenko’s game is his ability to find open space in the offensive zone. When the puck is out of his hands, he will dart into the open area and look for a way to break through the defense. His elite vision allows him to find openings in the defense and usually leads to a quality scoring opportunity. Another impressive skill of his is his quick release.

Kuzmenko’s ability to find space in the offensive zone is one of the things that separates him from other forwards. He’s an offensive threat who can score at any time and he can also be a good two-way player. His offensive game is solid, and he can also make smart decisions on defense to block passing lanes. His strong two-way game and good puck control have made him a prospect for the NHL for years. In 2014, Central Scouting ranked him as the 26th best international skater in the world.

The Chicago Blackhawks need offensive firepower in their top six, and Andrei Kuzmenko can help them get it. His recent success in the KHL makes him a potential addition to the organization. He’s widely considered the best forward in the KHL.

His cap hit

The Vancouver Canucks are in the process of signing free agent defenseman Andrei Kuzmenko. The Russian hockey player has been heavily linked to the Canucks for several months and has confirmed his signing on Instagram. He has been in Vancouver for the past week as part of the NHL’s city tour. He also met with Bruce Boudreau and GM Patrik Allvin in Michigan this week.

Kuzmenko has all the tools to be a top scorer in the NHL. While many players do not make it, some have. There are also players in the NHL who came straight from the KHL. It would be a shame if he missed out on that opportunity.

He’ll earn $US855,000 in base salary and a $95,000 signing bonus. The team will also pay him up to $850,000 in performance-based bonuses. The Canucks will likely be pleased to pay him up to $1,800,000 for 60 points this season.

His salary

The Edmonton Oilers have bowed out of the race to sign Kuzmenko. The former U.S. national team forward enjoyed his most productive season yet, scoring 20 goals and 53 points in 45 games. However, the Oilers cannot guarantee Kuzmenko top-six minutes and power-play time.

After the season ended, Kuzmenko became a free agent and signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. He broke into the KHL with CSKA Moscow in 2014-15 after developing in the junior system at the club. Earlier this month, the Canucks announced their intent to sign him and a cap hit of $950,000 was attached to the deal. The former SKA St. Petersburg forward played 45 games in the KHL last season.

The Edmonton Oilers have several players whose contracts expire this summer. They must decide who to keep and who to trade for. Kuzmenko could be a good addition to a top-six line. The Oilers will need to make room in their lineup to accommodate a center-forward.