Winnipeg Jets’ Kevin He becomes first Chinese-born player to sign NHL deal
Beijing-born 18-year-old was taken 109th overall in NHL draft, and is playing for Niagara in Ontario Hockey League
Kevin He became the first Chinese-born player to agree a deal with an NHL club when the 18-year-old forward signed an entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.
Beijing-born He became the highest Chinese-born player taken in the NHL Draft when he was selected 109th overall in the fourth round this year by the Jets, who made a trade with Buffalo to jump 14 spots in the draft to take him.
“It’s a dream come true,” He said of being drafted by the Jets. “It’s incredible, a huge honour.”
He now plays in the junior ranks for Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League, where he has 23 goals and 20 assists over 29 games.
“When someone takes so much pride in their heritage and so much pride in their craft in the sport they want to be involved in, it says a lot about the person and the individual,” Kevin Cheveldayoff, the Jets general manager, said.
“If it can turn out to be a great story, that’s secondary. It’s always nice to see the diversity in the game and help maybe grow the game more. It would be a great story if he can continue to make that next step.”
