Minnesota Wild 8th year defenseman Kevin Czuczman(7) is spending most of his time thus far in 2021/2022 with affiliate Iowa Wild, but has been on the short list for recalls.
He has only skated 15 NHL games with 13 of those after his 3rd year at Lake Superior State University Lakers for entry level contract club, New York Islanders.
The 6’3″ 195 lbs. blu liner spent his first couple with their affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers, but when his contract expired was left unqualified as a group 6 free agent.
He couldn’t have landed at a better spot and signed for one year with Manitoba Moose, producing career high 9 goals and 23 assists to gain the attention of Pittsburgh Penguins, who signed him to a two-way for a year.
In his first frame for his new club, he once again reached a new best on assists, striking for 31 with a +15 rating.
He would make not equal this output in his 2nd year under contract, but did well enough to earn another two to stay.
The 30-year old from London, ON has definitely worked hard for what he has earned and mostly seemed to smile about it.
In likely the most no brainer of free agency, he signs for 2022/2023 with Ilves of Liiga and will likely perform really well in Finland’s top league.