OUA finalist Artem Duda signs with NHL's Utah Hockey Club

Toronto, Ont. (via TMU Bold / tmubold.ca) - Defenceman Artem Duda became the first player in TMU men's hockey history to sign an NHL contract, inking a three-year entry-level deal with the Utah Hockey Club this week.

Duda joined the Bold for the winter portion of the 2023-24 season, coming to TMU after being drafted 36th overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft and after spending his junior career in his native Russia.

The 6-1 defender recorded two goals and five assists in 12 regular season games before adding two goals and four assists in six OUA playoff games. Duda quickly earned heavy ice time and became the quarterback of the Bold power play.

"Artem is a great player with a bright future. We got to see his commitment and work ethic every day; he works hard and deserves his opportunity. We wish him all the best and thank him for his time with the program," said associate coach, Michael Fine.