https://norfolkadmirals.com/news/2023/11/dmitry-kuzmin-assigned-to-norfolk

Fantasy Summary

An excellent slot defender. Extremely mobile. Projects as a second or third-pairing defenseman with offensive upside who can effectively run the second power-play unit.


Observations

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December 2023 – Kuzmin made his AHL debut on December 8, after being recalled to the Manitoba Moose on November 28. He played two games with the Moose before being reassigned to the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals on December 12. In 10 ECHL games this season, Kuzmin has one goal and one assist. Mark Henry

 

November 2023 – The Manitoba Moose assigned Kuzmin to their ECHL affiliate, Norfolk Admirals, on November 2nd. Kuzmin had not played in a game in the AHL with the Moose this season; a move down to the ECHL will allow him to play consistently and further his development. Mark Henry

 

August 2023 – Kuzmin completed his junior career after the 2022-23 season with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He scored 14 goals and added 45 assists for 59 points in 65 games with the Firebirds before being reassigned by the Winnipeg Jets on April 17, 2023, from Flint to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL). He should be in the AHL in 2023-24. Kuzmin participated in the Jets’ 2023 Development Camp in July. Mark Henry

 

July 2021 – Kuzmin was selected in the third round, 82nd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021 NHL Draft. Dave Hall

 

April 2021 – Dmitri Kuzmin is not a well-known commodity yet but if his first couple of games at the World Under-18s is an indication, he will be soon. The Belarusian defender was a player tabbed by some as a possible breakout candidate at the event and some incredible puck movement and a ‘Michigan’/lacrosse goal against the Swiss have done just that. The young defender is extremely mobile and works off his edges with incredible efficiency. He changes speeds well and attacks in all three zones. Even playing defensively, he carries a mindset of attack and aggression. He understands that because he is somewhat limited by his size as a defender – standing just 5-10 and 176 lbs – he has to play aggressively, close gaps, and get in there with his stick in a controlled and intelligent manner. He is inconsistent defensively but he shows all of the traits and puts it together enough that there is faith that he should be able to be a skilled, modern defensive presence. His real value comes after he makes that initial play in transition to stop his opponents in their tracks as he turns play up ice. He is a skilled passer and an elusive skater. He protects the puck well for an undersized defender and he uses his frame to the most of his ability which is an encouraging sign. His puck skill is phenomenal and he will be a powerplay option at any level he plays at. His deception and manipulative tendencies allow for him to create space, find passing and shooting lanes and exploit coverages with his feet. He needs to get stronger and he will need to work on his defensive consistency but there is a package here that NHL teams should covet in the mid-rounds of the 2021 NHL Draft. Should he slip outside of the third or fourth round, he could be arguably the steal of the draft with his predatory and aggressive mindset in every facet of the game. Keep your eyes on Kuzmin. Pat Quinn

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 7.2
NHL Certainty 7.0
Country BLR
Position D
Roster Type Minors
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth April 23, 2003
Height 5‘10”
Weight 180 lbs
Drafted 2021 Round 3; Overall: 82

Stats

 Season Team League GP G A TP PIM      Playoffs GP G A TP PIM 
 2017-2018 Dynamo Minsk Selects U15WSI U155 1 23 2|        
 2018-2019 Team Belarus U17Belarus Vysshaya40 10 1525 28|Playoffs11 4 48 10 
  Team Belarus U18Belarus25 0 22 2|        
  Belarus U17 EYOF3 0 00 2|        
 2019-2020 Team Belarus U18Belarus Cup2 0 00 0|        
  Team Belarus U17Belarus Vysshaya0 0 00 0|Playoffs9 1 56
  Team Belarus U20Belarus Cup5 0 00 0|        
  Team Belarus U18Belarus233 6 1925 34|        
  Team Belarus U20Belarus224 0 77 6|        
 2020-2021 Dinamo-MolodechnoBelarus Cup6 0 22 6|Playoffs2 0 00
  Dinamo-MolodechnoBelarus46 3 912 30|Playoffs6 3 14
  Dinamo-Olimpik MinskBelarus Vysshaya0 0 00 0|Playoffs7 1 45
  Belarus U18WJC-185 1 45 4|        
 2021-2022 Flint FirebirdsOHL57 18 2644 18|Playoffs19 0 1313
  Belarus U20WJC-20 D1A5 1 45 29|        
 2022-2023 Flint FirebirdsOHL65 14 4559 96|Playoffs7 1 78
 2023-2024 Manitoba MooseAHL15 1 23 4|        
  Norfolk AdmiralsECHL21 2 57 4|        

Highlights