Veteran center Evgeny Kuznetsov remains unsigned for the upcoming season. After signing a four-year deal in the KHL last summer with SKA St. Petersburg, the agreement was terminated a few months ago with the veteran looking to return to the NHL. Speaking with SovSport’s Vladimir Okishev, Kuznetsov’s agent Shumi Babayev said that there is a 90% chance that his client will sign with an NHL team. The 33-year-old was once a true top-line middleman in the NHL but his last season in the league in 2023-24 saw him struggle with more of a limited role as he notched just 24 points in 63 games between Washington and Carolina. Still, in a free agent market that is largely bereft of centers at this point, he could be worth a low-cost flyer in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider provides an inside look at how the Kings operated during the draft. At one point, they looked into a trade-up scenario from their original slot of 24 before moving down which was their original plan leading into the night. However, with just two of their preferred selections on the board when they dealt down to 31, they looked at trading back up after moving down to ensure they’d get Henry Brzustewicz. However, they ultimately were able to get him as planned where they were. Dooley’s piece also discusses their activity on the second day, including the trade of defenseman Jordan Spence to Ottawa.
- After having to retire following the 2020-21 season due to concussion trouble, former first-round pick Jacob Josefson is attempting a comeback at the age of 34, recently speaking with Expressen in Sweden (video link) about his efforts. Josefson spent parts of eight seasons in the NHL, seven of which came with New Jersey who picked him 20th overall back in 2009. He opted to return home to play in the SHL back in 2018 and spent three seasons with Djurgarden before having to hang up his skates. His attempt to make a comeback kicked off with that same team in a preseason game on Friday.