Evgeny Kuznetsov Has Not Ruled Out Possibilty Of Playing In NHL
Evgeny Kuznetzov's contract with SKA Saint Petersburgh was mutually terminated between player and club, just one year into his the four-year deal.
Kuznetsov's availability has now opened the possibility that he will play next season in the NHL.
"The process of finding a new club for Kuznetsov is going well, we are working on it,"Shumi Babaev, Evgeny's agent said. "I can't say yet that we are in advanced negotiations with anyone. We are talking with the strongest teams. Evgeny is a top player, an elite one.
Kunetzov. to return to NHL?
Kuznetsov joined Russia's top league at the end of the 2023-24 season, following 11 years in North America, playing for the Washington Capitals and tghe Carolina Hurricanes.
However, Evgeny, a 2010 1st-round draft pick, is not opposed to a return to North America.
"If the NHL offer is most preferable," agent Babaev said, "then Evgeny will return there."
Kuznetsov, a two-time all-star, recorded 575 points (173 goals and 402 assists) in 743 games with the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes.
The 2018 Stanley Cup champion appeared briefly in SKA Saint Petersburgh's playoff run, a six-game series loss to Dynamo Moscow, but his availability was cut short due to concussion-relatet issues.
The native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, Evgeny scored one of the biggest goals in Capitals history when he netted the game 6, overtime marker in the Eastern Conference 2nd round, to eliminate the then, two-time Stanley Cup champs, Pittsburgh Penguins.
It is that kind of competitiveness, and his ability to pass and shoot the puck, that will make the former Cap an important addition to an NHL line-up.
We will keep you posted of any updates concerning Kuznetsov's status.
Previously on Capitals Insider
POLL |
MAI 24 | 93 ANSWERS Evgeny Kuznetsov Has Not Ruled Out Possibilty Of Playing In NHL Would you like to see Evgeny Kuznetsov play for the Capitals next season? |
Yes | 44 | 47.3 % |
No | 49 | 52.7 % |
List of polls |