Kuznetsov assigned to Saint John

Calgary Flames

MONTREAL, Que. - The Saint John Sea Dogs received a huge addition to their lineup on Thursday.

At long last, the Calgary Flames announced that defenseman Yan Kuznetsov has been assigned to Saint John. Kuznetsov has been playing with the American Hockey League's Stockton Heat but, as a 19-year-old playing professional hockey, was seeing limited ice time.

Playing time shouldn't be an issue in Saint John where the Russian defenseman should see significant minutes every game.

“He is worth the wait,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. “Yan is a player that we have had our eyes on since he was 16-years-old, playing here in Saint John at the Under 17s. Yan is smart and physically mature and could have finished the season in the AHL. We appreciate the confidence that Brad, Ray, and the entire Flames team have in our organization, and for recognizing the opportunity that Yan has here.”

The #Flames have assigned defenceman Yan Kuznetsov to the @SJSeaDogs of the QMJHL. pic.twitter.com/xbHHgUhIHs

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 2, 2021

The Sea Dogs selected Kuznetsov in the first-round of this year's CHL Import Draft but there were no guarantees he would come to Saint John. The pick was obviously worth the risk.

Kuznetsov's playing journey is an interesting one for a Russian junior. He spent the 2018-19 season with the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede then spent the past two seasons with the NCAA's University of Connecticut Huskies, a popular destination for non-North American players.

Kuznetsov turned pro at the end of last season and played six games with the Heat. He appeared in 12 games with the club this year.

The AHL website lists Kuznetsov at 6'4" and 215 lbs. He's known for being more of a shutdown defenseman than an offensive force, which is exactly what the Sea Dogs are in need of.

Kuznetsov is expected to join the club this weekend in Quebec but it is unclear when he will make his debut. The Sea Dogs take on the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on Friday night at 8:30 p.m.