The Winnipeg Jets have traded for defenceman Artemi Kniazev from the San Jose Sharks.
In return, the Sharks received the rights to defenceman Leon Gawanke.
Gawanke, 23, signed a four-year deal with Germany's Adler Mannheim in mid-May, expressing his displeasure with the Jets' organization and its handling of his opportunities.
2022-23 was a sensational year for the Moose blueliner, as he set a new franchise record with 20 goals as a defenceman. His defensive play, however, continued to slow down a possible promotion, thanks to his offence-first mentality.
Gawanke led the three-man charge, as two of his Moose teammates also left Manitoba with contracts to play in Germany next season - and onward, for some.
He should have ample opportunity to develop his game in San Jose, either with the Sharks or Barracuda, if the opportunity does arise.
Winnipeg extended a qualifying offer to Gawanke in order to retain his rights, despite his contract overseas. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was in turn able to flip him for Kniazev - another young defenceman.
The 22-year-old blueliner suited up in 61 games for the Barracuda last season, scoring five times and adding 23 assists from 28 points to go alongside 32 penalty minutes on the year.
The Kazan, Russia product has skated in one NHL game back in early November of 2021. Initially drafted 48th overall in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Kniazev has one year remaining on his entry-level deal and will join a youthful contingent of Russian players now part of the Jets organization.
No stranger to North America, Kniazev played major junior with the Chicoutimi Saguenees of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and put up 29 goals, 105 points and 104 penalty minutes from the back-end in 120 games over three seasons.
Kniazev scored once, collected three assists and 10 penalty minutes in seven games for the Russians at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship - his most recent instance of international play.