University of Connecticut Athletics
Three Huskies Taken in the 2020 NHL Draft
10/7/2020 8:28:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. –UConn sophomore defenseman Yan Kuznetsov (Murmansk, Russia) and freshmen forwards Artem Shlaine (Moscow, Russia) and Nick Capone (East Haven, Conn.) were all selected on day two of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Kuznetsov was the first Husky off the board on day two as he was selected 50th overall in the 2nd round by the Calgary Flames. The sophomore defenseman, the youngest player in the NCAA last year, is the fourth highest draft pick in program history.
A pair of Husky newcomers followed Kuznetsov's selection with Shlaine going in the 5th round (130th overall) to the New Jersey Devils and Capone following in the 6th round (157th overall) to the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Huskies have now had 18 players taken in the NHL Draft since head coach Mike Cavanaugh took over the program in 2013-14. The 2020-21 UConn roster features eight players who are NHL Draft picks in juniors Kale Howarth (2017/Columbus/5th RD), Tomas Vomacka (2017/Nashville/5th RD), and Jachym Kondelik (2018/Nashville/4th RD), sophomores Vladislav Firstov (2019/Minnesota/2nd RD), Yan Kuznetsov (2020/Calgary/2nd RD) and Carter Berger (2019/Florida/4th RD) and freshmen Artem Shlaine (2020/New Jersey/5th RD) and Nick Capone (2020/Tampa Bay/6th RD).
With three Huskies being selected, it matches the program's previous highs of three players taken in the 2016 and 2019 drafts.
The 2020 NHL Entry Draft is the 58th NHL Entry Draft, being held from October 6–7, 2020. It was originally scheduled for June 26–27, 2020 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, but was postponed on March 25, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conclusion of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Yan Kuznetsov – Sophomore – Defenseman – Murmansk, Russia
Calgary Flames – 2nd Round – 50th Overall
- 4th highest draft pick in UConn history. Behind Tage Thompson (2016/1st RD/26th overall/St. Louis), Ruslan Iskhakov (2018/2nd RD/43rd overall/New York Islanders) and current teammate Vladislav Firstov (2019/2nd RD/42nd overall/Minnesota).
- 7th UConn defenseman drafted in program history.
- 1st Husky to be drafted by the Calgary organization.
- 4th Russian born player in program history to be drafted.
- Was the youngest player (3/9/02) in college hockey last season.
- Played in all 34 games as a freshman, finishing with 11 points coming on two goals and nine assists. He also had 20 blocked shots.
- Off the ice, was a Hockey East All-Academic team member.
Yan Kuznetsov, along with his @UConnMHOC teammates, couldn't have been happier to hear his name called by the #Flames at the #NHLDraft! pic.twitter.com/Lnh3juanhM
Artem Shlaine – Freshman – Forward – Moscow, Russia
New Jersey Devils – 5th Round – 130th Overall
- 4th UConn player to be selected in the 5th round of the draft.
- 8th UConn forward drafted in program history.
- 1st Husky to be drafted by the New Jersey organization.
- 5th Russian born player in program history to be drafted.
- Comes to Storrs after playing two seasons at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep.
- Last year, was the team's leading scorer with 78 points in 48 games including 26 goals.
With the 130th overall selection, we have selected Artem Shlaine. #DevilsDraft | @GEICO pic.twitter.com/qxuzvvY0LN
Nick Capone – Freshman – Forward – East Haven, Conn.
Tampa Bay Lightning – 6th Round – 157th Overall
- 2nd UConn player to be selected in 6th round of the draft.
- 9th UConn forward drafted in program history.
- 1st Husky to be drafted by the Tampa Bay organization.
- 1st Connecticut born player in program history to be drafted.
- Will make his collegiate debut for the Huskies this season after spending last year with Tri-City of the USHL.
- In 34 games, he totaled 19 points on seven goals and 12 assists. He had three power play goals and six power play assists.
From the @tricitystorm of the @ushl, we've selected Nick Capone with the 157th overall pick.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 7, 2020
Welcome to Tampa! ?? #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/mrNuP5fSea
