BREAKING: Top Draft Pick Escapes Russia to Play in the NCAA

A top draft pick has escaped Russia in favor of playing in North America to be closer to his NHL organization.

In the early second round of the 2022 NHL draft, the Arizona Coyotes took a swing on Russian defenseman Artyom Duda. Duda is a mobile two-way defender who can create time and space for his teammates while also providing excellent defense.

Many were concerned if he was ever going to come to North America given how he was pretty comfortable with his KHL team.

Today, it was announced that Duda would be joining the University of Maine for the 2023-24 NCAA season.

Duda also projects quite well. This past season he spent time in the three Russian leagues (KHL, VHL, and MHL) where he spent an equal amount of time in the MHL and KHL.

Despite not getting much ice time in the KHL, Duda still managed 3 points in 14 games which is respectable for a player of his caliber.

The NCAA has a rule where players cannot play if they have previously played professionally but it appears Duda was on loan with his KHL and VHL teams with his main team still being his MHL team, which is a junior team.

This will be a situation to closely watch because Duda would certainly be Maine's best player. He may not be eligible to play but if he does, he will be a stud because the KHL is the 2nd best league in the world and with him holding his own there, he should be an NHLer in no time.

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