Kevin He, an 18-year-old forward born in Beijing, China, has etched his name in NHL history by becoming the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL contract. He inked a three-year, entry-level deal with the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, a moment that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the hockey world and beyond.
“It’s a dream come true,” He said after being selected by the Jets. “It’s incredible, a huge honor.”
He was selected by the Jets in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history.
“This means a lot to me and my family,” He said when asked about being the highest-drafted Chinese-born player. “I grew up in China, so I had some chances to skate.”
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He began playing organized hockey after moving to Montreal at the age of six. Currently, he plays for the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he has been a dominant force, scoring 23 goals and 20 assists in 29 games this season.
“It’s always nice to see the diversity in the game and help maybe grow the game more,” Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said in a statement, echoing the sentiments of many fans and analysts who see He’s signing as a landmark moment for hockey’s global growth.
