Dmitri Kuzmin

November 2023 – The Manitoba Moose assigned Kuzmin to their ECHL affiliate, Norfolk Admirals, on November 2nd. Kuzmin hadn’t 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 isn’t 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 176lbs – 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. Tony Ferrari