Jets’ Kevin He becomes first Chinese-born player to sign NHL contract

By The Canadian Press on December 17, 2024.

Winnipeg Jets' Kevin He, right, and Edmonton Oilers' William Nicholl (56) battle for the puck during second-period NHL preseason action in Edmonton, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Forward Kevin He has agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Jets, making him the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL contract.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

WINNIPEG – Forward Kevin He has agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets, making him the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL contract.

The Jets announced the deal Tuesday. It carries an annual average value of US$975,000.

The 18-year-old He was born in Beijing and moved to Canada with his family when he was six. He was selected in fourth round (109th overall) of the 2024 NHL draft.

Defenceman Andong Song, drafted 172nd overall by the New York Islanders in 2015, is the only other Chinese-born player selected, though he never signed an NHL contract.

Playing in his third season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Niagara IceDogs, He was named team captain on Oct. 22.

He has 23 goals and 20 assists with the IceDogs this season and 130 points (75 goals, 55 assists) in 159 career OHL games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.