Winnipeg Jets Sign Kevin He to Entry-Level Deal
Winnipeg Jets Make History, Sign First Chinese-Born NHL Player
Winnipeg, Manitoba - The Winnipeg Jets have made history, signing forward Kevin He to a three-year, entry-level contract.The deal, announced Tuesday, carries an average annual value of $975,000 in the NHL, making the 18-year-old the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL contract.
He’s been a force to be reckoned with this season for the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). serving as captain, he’s racked up an impressive 23 goals and 20 assists in just 29 games, propelling the IceDogs to a third-place standing in the Eastern Conference with a 20-9-1-1 record.
This marks He’s third season with the IceDogs, where he’s amassed a total of 75 goals and 55 assists in 159 games.
Born in Beijing,He moved to Canada with his family at the age of six,first settling in Montreal before relocating to Toronto at 12. He honed his skills playing for the North York Rangers AAA program in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).
He’s no stranger to breaking barriers.Drafted in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, he became just the second Chinese-born player to be drafted into the NHL, following Andong Song, who was selected by the New York islanders in 2015.
This signing is a meaningful moment for the NHL,expanding the league’s global reach and inspiring a new generation of hockey players.
A Giant Leap for Hockey: Breaking Down Kevin He’s Historic Signing
Newsdicrectory3.com sat down with hockey analyst Sarah Chen to discuss teh Winnipeg Jets’ landmark signing of Kevin He, the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL contract.
ND3: Kevin He’s signing is a major moment for hockey. What does this mean for the NHL and the sport as a whole?
SC: This is a watershed moment. Kevin represents a huge step forward in diversifying the NHL and expanding its global reach. Seeing a Chinese-born player break into the league is incredibly inspiring, not just for young players in China but for aspiring athletes worldwide. It sends a powerful message that hockey is a truly global game.
ND3: He’s been tearing it up in the OHL. What makes him such a promising prospect?
SC: Kevin’s a pure goal scorer with incredible vision and puck-handling skills. His leadership qualities are also evident, having served as captain for the Niagara IceDogs. He’s a dynamic player who can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He brings a real excitement factor to the game.
ND3: He’s only the second Chinese-born player ever drafted. Do you think we’ll see more Chinese players follow in his footsteps?
SC: Absolutely. Kevin’s success will undoubtedly inspire young hockey players in China. We’re already seeing increased interest in hockey in Asia, and Kevin’s signing will only fuel that growth.
This is just the beginning.I wouldn’t be surprised to see more Chinese-born players make their mark on the NHL in the years to come.
ND3: What’s next for Kevin He?
SC: It’s an exciting time for him. He’ll likely spend some time developing in the AHL before making his NHL debut. but I have no doubt that he has the talent and drive to succeed at the highest level.
ND3: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your expertise.
SC: My pleasure.It’s a thrilling time for hockey, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Kevin He and the sport.