After 10 years traveling across North America, Jean-Sébastien Dea is changing continents. The Quebecer will fly to Russia in a few weeks to join the Metallurg of Magnitogorsk, in the KHL.
At the end of the line, the Quebecer repeats several times how excited he is about the “great opportunity” available to him.
“The unknown can be a little scary, and it’s never easy to step out of your comfort zone, but it’s times like this that make us grow as human beings,” he philosophizes. It’s a nice challenge. I’m super excited. »
On the sidelines of a charity event held less than three weeks ago, Dea told the La Presse representative that he was considering the plan to continue his career in Europe, but not before the expiry of the contract binding him to the Coyotes of Arizona in a year.
His plans changed quickly when the Metallurg’s offer fell on the table. Financially, the decision to be made became a no-brainer, in his own words.
At his request, the Coyotes terminated his contract, which was to earn him $300,000 if he spent the season in the American League. The two parties left on good terms, he said. All he needs is his work visa, after which he and his girlfriend will head to Eurasia for, he says, a new “life experience”.
Other discussions had taken place with European teams, “but nothing concrete”.
He also dabbled in the NHL, playing a total of 37 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabers and Arizona Coyotes – he was never formally recalled by the Canadiens.
“I felt I had done what I had to do,” he says. I spent almost 10 years at the stake, I got what I wanted playing in the NHL. At some point in life, it’s okay to move on and have new plans. I was ready to take the leap. I’m turning 30 [in February], so I’m ending my twenties on the right foot. »
A few years ago, this text would have ended here. However, Russia has been a country at war since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Did his host country’s involvement in a deadly conflict affect the hockey player’s decision? Not really, we understand. He was obviously worried about his own safety, even though Magnitogorsk is some 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Many conversations with Quebecers who have played there in recent years have reassured him. “Everything is going great” for the KHL players, he said.
Besides, “I play hockey, that’s what I focus on,” he insists. He will also be far from the only Canadian to play in Russia. Goalkeeper Zachary Fucale has just made the same decision as him. Forward Cédric Paquette will begin his second season in the KHL, and former Habs Jordan Weal, a third.
“Financially, he was a no-brainer,” Dea repeats. At my age, I have to place my marbles for the future. It’s a golden opportunity. I’m going here with the intention of playing hockey. What happens around is none of [my business]. I play hockey, I collect my salary. Life goes on. It’s part of life. »
After finishing the 2022-2023 season in the middle of the standings, Magnitogorsk Metallurg lost in the second round of the most recent KHL playoffs. The team then relied on forward Philippe Maillet, who signed with the Montreal Canadiens during the summer. For now, the only other North American player signed with the team in 2023-2024, according to the Elite Prospects site, is forward Luke Johnson.
