Canucks Sign Andrei Kuzmenko to Two-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks announced they signed forward Andrei Kuzmenko to a two-year contract extension.

After a turbulent week for the organization, the Vancouver Canucks are trying to recapture some stability. 

That first step came in the form of an extension for one of the club's top young players on Thursday afternoon, as the Canucks announced the signing of forward Andrei Kuzmenko to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $5.5 million. 

The deal, which ties Kuzmenko to Vancouver through the 2024-25 season, ends up being the bridge deal that both the player and his agent were looking for in these negotiations and also includes a 12-team no-trade list. 

It's hard not to look at this as a win on the surface. 

Kuzmenko is one of the lone bright spots from this disastrous Canucks season, as the 26-year-old came over to North America this year following seven successful seasons in the KHL and proceeded to put up a remarkable 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points in 47 games thus far. 

While Kuzmenko's NHL track record is limited to just his experience this season, the talented winger has proven capable of racking up exceptional numbers against the best collection of hockey talent in the world – his 24.7 percent shooting percentage notwithstanding – and, if he continues along his current trajectory, should put himself in a prime position to cash in on the open market in two years time. 

One could certainly argue that the Canucks would be better suited to trade the surging Kuzmenko at the height of his value at this year's trade deadline for a package of assets to help in their self-described "re-tool". But Kuzmenko reportedly enjoys both playing and living in Vancouver, and after the rollercoaster of emotions the organization has endured this season, keeping a happy camper in the building is sure to help morale.