HOT: $12M for Kuzmenko's next deal?
It represented a great deal when the Canucks announced the signing of the highly touted Russian UFA Andrei Kuzmenko. The Canucks took a great low-cost bet and it turned out to be quite the deal since Kuzmenko has been one of the most consistent forwards in Vancouver this year, showing great chemistry with the Swede Superstar Elias Pettersson.
The two goals he added last night brought his total in points up to 34 after 37 outings. As of late, it's not his play that's been concerning, but more his contractual standpoint since Kuzmenko is eligible for an extension since January 1st. When he first entered the league, he signed a 1-year ELC worth $950K to build his value and will be completely free when comes July 1st.
His agent Dan Milstein had previously opened up about their will regarding the situation. Milstein was the agent representing Artemi Panarin when he first entered the league, he has experience with a 26-year-old rookie. If you want a reminder of the interview:
Kuzmenko's agent talks about his next contract
Donnie and Dhali discussed the matter today and made a really interesting comparison about what a possible deal could look like for the Russian forward. They've brought up that both parties may look into a possible bridge deal, just like Panarin did back in his time with the Hawks. Panarin had a 2-year ELC in which he posted 157 points in 162 games and then signed a 2-year bridge deal with a $6M AAV before inking the massive contract he's on with the Rangers.
It's no secret that Kuzmenko loves Vancouver, he could've chosen to play anywhere, but the Canucks were his choice. The Canucks will want to look at a possible bridge deal; Kuzmenko is currently on pace for 74 points. Would that be worth a $6M AAV for the next two years?
| POLL | ||
What will Kuzmenko's next deal be? | ||
| 1 year / $5M | 97 | 14.4 % |
| 2 year / $12M | 431 | 64 % |
| 8 year / $50M | 145 | 21.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
