The Calgary Flames announced this morning that defenseman Yan Kuznetsov has been recalled from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.
This follows a tough injury sustained by defenseman Dennis Gilbert in last night’s game against the Nashville Predators.
Kuznetsov was the Flames’ second round draft selection in 2020, taken 50th overall. After playing in Russia for most of his junior career, Kuznetsov joined the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL in 2018-19, before joining the NCAA’s University of Connecticut in 2019-20. Kuznetsov has racked up quite a few interesting accomplishments since he was drafted by the Flames:
- Youngest player in the entire NCAA in 2019-20
- First NCAA player from the 2020 draft class to sign an entry-level contract
- One of only 10 players since 2010 to sign ELC after just two years of college hockey
- First NCAA player in history selected to represent Russia at the World Juniors
Yan Kuznetsov’s game breakdown
So far this season, Kuznetsov has skated in 31 games for the Wranglers, putting up two goals and seven points. He’s a defensive defenseman first, and prides himself on being tough to play against, punishing, and solid in his own zone.
Over the course of his career, his hallmark has been a strong, steady, and reliable defensive game. He’s the guy who drops back when his partner joins the rush, and has proven that he can be a top shutdown defender at every level he’s played in. While his AHL career has been a bit slower, he’s still a very good prospect who deserves a shot on NHL ice.
This marks the first NHL callup for Kuznetsov.
