Dean Kukan

Dean Kukan

31-Year-Old DefensemanD
 Free Agent  
Free Agent
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Dean Kukan in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed with European team ZSC Lions-Switzerland in June of 2022.
Returning to Switzerland
DFree Agent
May 20, 2022
Kukan will sign with a team in Switzerland's National League for the 2022-23 campaign.
ANALYSIS
Kukan has yet to sign a contract with a Swiss team, but the ZSC Lions appear to be the front runner to land the 28-year-old defender. Assuming Kukan doesn't return to North America in the future, he'll finish his NHL career having collected five goals and 30 points through 153 appearances with the Blue Jackets.
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NHL Stats
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2021 NHL Game Log
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2020 NHL Game Log
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2019 NHL Game Log
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2018 NHL Game Log
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2017 NHL Game Log
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
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Kukan's 2019-20 campaign wasn't much different statistically than the season before, as he struggled to earn a regular shift on a crowded Columbus blue line. Ryan Murray's departure will lead to everyone that was previously below him on the depth chart moving up a spot, but Kukan is still part of a largely interchangeable group of stay-at-home types that includes Gabriel Carlsson, Andrew Peeke and Scott Harrington, all of whom will be jockeying for a bottom-pairing assignment. Harrington has the most NHL experience of the bunch, while Carlsson and Peeke were both top-40 picks in their draft years, but the 27-year-old Kukan's steady presence in his own end will keep him in the mix.
Kukan suited up for a career-high 25 games in the regular season last year before playing in all 10 of the Blue Jackets' playoff games, as injuries tested the depth of the team's blue line. While he doesn't offer much offense, the 26-year-old plays a smooth, confident game in his own zone thanks to plenty of experience overseas and in the AHL, using his size and passing skills effectively. A depth role seems the best he can hope for in Columbus, however. More highly touted prospects like Vladislav Gavrikov are banging on the door, and the club's top five defensemen are set in stone barring another rash of injuries. Kukan's contract should keep him on the roster, but not necessarily out of the press box.
Although Kukan only played in 11 games last season, he made enough of an impression on the Blue Jackets that they locked him up with a one-way, two-year deal in March -- all but assuring him a spot on the NHL roster. He's shown a little offensive acumen in the AHL, but his role with the big club will likely be that of a stay-at-home defender who uses his passing skills and sharp hockey IQ to clear the defensive zone with a minimum of fuss. Jack Johnson's departure does open up some minutes on the blue line, but the 25-year-old Kukan will have to fight off challenges from players with bigger prospect pedigrees such as Gabriel Carlsson to win a regular shift.
More Fantasy News
Leads way in seven-goal outburst
DColumbus Blue Jackets  Foreign
February 20, 2022
Kukan had two goals and an assist in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Sabres.
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Collects helper in OT win
DColumbus Blue Jackets  Foreign
February 11, 2022
Kukan picked up an assist in Thursday's overtime win over the Sabres.
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Returning against Bolts
DColumbus Blue Jackets  Foreign
January 4, 2022
Kukan (wrist) will be in the lineup versus Tampa Bay on Tuesday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.
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Ruled out for Thursday
DColumbus Blue Jackets  Foreign
Wrist
December 30, 2021
Kukan (wrist) will not participate in Thursday's contest against Nashville, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.
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Practicing Sunday
DColumbus Blue Jackets  Foreign
Wrist
December 26, 2021
Kukan (wrist) was spotted in practice Sunday, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Will play for Switzerland
DColumbus Blue Jackets  Foreign
May 12, 2022
Kukan will link up with Switzerland for the 2022 IIHF World Championship, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Kukan set new personal bests this year with three goals and eight helpers in 41 games this season. Looking ahead to next season, the 28-year-old blueliner will likely still remain a fringe roster player and may have to spend some time watching from the press box as a healthy scratch periodically.
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