Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Evgeny Kuznetsov is still deciding his next step after passing through waivers and becoming a free agent. His agent, Shumi Babayev, shared with Olsya Usova of Russia’s RB Sport that Kuznetsov hasn’t ruled out a new NHL contract. Babayev shared that 15 NHL clubs were still showing interest, adding, “[Kuznetsov] just wants to play hockey and be trusted. He still has the ability to play for many years to come. Kuznetsov is in good physical shape… If there was interest in those teams that count on him and let him show his best qualities, he would also consider them.
Kuznetsov’s storied career with the Washington Capitals came to a stall this season, leading to a Trade Deadline move to the Carolina Hurricanes. But that didn’t seem to inspire much, with Kuznetsov managing just 13 points across 30 games with Carolina, combining the regular season and playoffs. A request for another change of scenery has led Kuznetsov to free agency, and while he is reportedly hearing out NHL offers, previous reports have him set on a move to the KHL. Kuznetsov would be returning to an established career at Russia’s top-flight, having already appeared in 210 games and scored 124 points with Chelyabinsk Traktor between 2009 and 2014.
His illustrious KHL scoring led directly to top-end production with the Capitals. Kuznetsov is a veteran of four 70-point seasons, carving out a strong role as the gut punch behind Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin’s one-two. That trio reached a peak in the 2017-18 season, carrying Washington to its first Stanley Cup in tandem with Braden Holtby’s shutdown goaltending. It was a career-year in every respect for Kuznetsov, who finished with 27 goals and 83 points in 79 games. He’s flirted with that production a few more times since the Cup win, including notching 72 points in 2019 and 78 in 2022. But he’s struggled to achieve the consistency he had at his peak – proving to be a major flaw as his other intangibles have started to decline.
But Kuznetsov is proving persistent, with his agent urging that the forward believes he has more to give. He’s still 32 years old and carries the invaluable experience of 743 career regular season games – and 97 playoff games. Babayev shared that Kuznetsov’s team will hear out pitches, but a KHL move still feels like the right next step. He reasoned, “Most likely, he is moving towards playing in the KHL. The man wants to play hockey and have fun, be useful and win. There are many factors here.”
It’s rare to see such a top producer on the open market so late into July. What’s more, Kuznetsov isn’t likely to command much cap after a contract termination in Carolina. But it seems NHL teams will need to have a pitch that really wows if they want to reel in the former point-per-game scorer.
Not sure why a team like the Pens wouldn’t be jumping on him. But then again not sure Dubas knows what he’s trying to accomplish this year
Kuzy doesn’t know what he wants to accomplish this year either. As someone who enjoys when the pens fail, I hope they sign Kuzy long term.
I’m curious how it is his contract can be terminated and then he can sign with another NHL team?
That’s the way it works. Since he doesn’t have a contract, he’s a UFA.
Sounds like there’s a grievance coming.
@PortuCool
What was the justification for termination of the contract? With cases like Corey Perry and such, there has been cause and with Kuznetsov it seems like his leaving for the KHL was the case… but as I understand it, a contract cannot just be terminated so a player can then sign with another NHL team.
It was mutually agreed upon. Mutual terminations happen all the time.
The NHLPA isn’t going to grieve a mutual termination. This wasn’t a unilateral punitive move.
@layventsky…
Thanks. I was under the impression this was not allowed.
He’s a head case. Stay away from him. At some point there will be some sort of controversy with him if you sign him. It’s not worth it. Move on.
If nothing else, Kuzy needs to fire his agent. Every step of this process has been bungled from the get go.
Ummmm he’d look great on the leafs 3rd line for the minimum!?!