The Winnipeg Jets announced today they have acquired defenceman Artemi Kniazev from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenceman Leon Gawanke.
Kniazev, 22, played 61 games for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda in 2022-23 and recorded 28 points (5G, 23A) and 32 penalty minutes. The Kazan, Russia native made his NHL debut for the Sharks on Nov. 4/21, his lone NHL game to date. Kniazev, San Jose’s second-round pick (48th oveall) in the 2019 NHL Draft, played his first North American professional season in 2021-22 when he also saw action in 60 games for the Barracuda and posted 28 points (7G, 21A) and 55 PIMs.
Kniazev played his North American junior hockey in the QMJHL with the Chicoutimi Saguenees and recorded 95 points (29G, 66A) and 104 PIMs in 120 games over three seasons. Internationally, he has represented Russia on multiple occasions, including the 2021 World Junior Championships where he posted four points (1G, 3A) and 10 PIMs in seven games.