Utah extends defenseman Artem Duda through 2028-29
Utah signed defenseman Artem Duda to a two-year extension that begins in 2027-28 and runs through 2028-29. The first season is a two-way deal worth $900,000 in the NHL and $175,000 in the AHL with $220,000 guaranteed; the second season is one-way at $950,000. Duda, 22, has played three AHL seasons with Tucson after being a 2022 second-round pick.
Duda’s new contract starts in 2027-28 and covers 2028-29. In the first season, his pay is $900,000 in the NHL and $175,000 in the AHL, with $220,000 guaranteed; the second season is a one-way $950,000 deal.
The 22-year-old has spent three AHL campaigns with Tucson, recording 45 points in 103 regular-season games. Arizona chose him in the second round in 2022 after he developed in CSKA Moskva’s system and played 14 KHL games; he also appeared for Toronto Metropolitan University before turning pro.
The extension may mainly affect Duda, Utah’s roster planners, Tucson teammates, and fans tracking player development. Guaranteed AHL money and a later one-way season could offer Duda more financial stability and a clearer NHL opportunity, while the club gains cost certainty. For followers of Russian prospects and Canadian university hockey, his unusual path may keep attention on alternative development routes, though the broader social impact is likely limited.