Kevin Czuczman

Playing career

Kevin Czuczman went undrafted and played college hockey for the Lake Superior State Lakers from 2011 to 2014. His first collegiate goal came on November 4, 2011, against Bemidji State. During the 2013–14 season, he earned a spot on the All-WCHA Second Team. On March 11, 2014, the New York Islanders signed him as a free agent to a two-year entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut a week later on March 18, 2014, logging just over 20 minutes of ice time in a 6–0 loss to the Minnesota Wild. After his entry-level deal ended following the 2015–16 season, the Islanders did not retain his rights, making him a free agent. He then signed a one-year AHL contract with the Manitoba Moose, the Winnipeg Jets' affiliate. With the Moose in 2016–17, he quickly secured a regular top-four role on defense. He improved his offensive numbers, became an alternate captain, and posted his best professional season with 9 goals and 32 points in 76 games. On July 3, 2017, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He re-signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year, two-way deal on June 25, 2018, and then on a two-year contract on June 26, 2019. After four seasons with the Penguins organization, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 29, 2021. Having spent his first nine professional seasons in North America, Czuczman moved overseas for the first time on June 23, 2022, signing a one-year contract with Ilves of the Finnish Liiga.