Kevin He, a hockey forward, made history as the first player born in China to sign a professional hockey contract

Kevin He, an 18-year-old hockey forward, made history as the first player born in China to sign a professional hockey contract. The Winnipeg Jets announced they have signed He to a three-year, entry-level deal worth $975,000 annually.

Currently in his third season with the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs, He was appointed team captain on Oct. 22. This season, he has tallied 43 points, scoring 23 goals and adding 20 assists in 29 games. He became the highest-drafted player born in China when Winnipeg selected him 109th overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Born in Beijing, He began skating at age 4 and later moved to Canada at 6. His achievement follows Andong Song, who was the first Chinese-born player drafted into the #NHL in 2015 but never signed a professional contract. He’s deal marks a historic milestone for Chinese representation in professional hockey.