Kevin He and the Winnipeg Jets made history today as Kevin became the first Chinese-born player to sign an entry-level contract (ELC).
The 18-year-old He was the Jets’ fourth-round draft selection (109th overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft at the Las Vegas Sphere. When He was drafted, it made him the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history.
He is one of two Chinese-born hockey players to be drafted into the NHL, the first being Andong Song by the New York Islanders in 2015. Song, who was drafted in the sixth round (172nd overall) never signed with the team.
He has had a red-hot start to the 2024-25 season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He’s posted 43 points (23G, 20A) across 29 games, ranking him fourth in OHL goals and 14th in points.
Born in Bejing, He and his family moved to Canada when he was six. He’s now at the midway point of his third season with the Niagara IceDogs and his first as team captain.
The contract is worth an annual average value (AAV) of $975,000 with a salary in the minors of $80,000 and $85,000. The contract could begin this season, but will likely begin when he finishes his time at the junior hockey level.
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