Evgeny Kuznetsov might not be leaving the NHL for Russia after all, despite some rumors.
A Russian news outlet claimed he was ending his NHL contract to join SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL. However, his agent, Shumi Babaev, says this isn’t entirely accurate.
“Anything is possible, but it’s too early to talk about Evgeny Kuznetsov’s return to Russia,” Babaev told championat.com. He added that Kuznetsov still has a year left on his deal with Carolina and that SKA had shown interest if he returns. But for now, Kuznetsov is looking at options in the NHL. If he’s unhappy with those, then talks with KHL clubs might happen later .
Contract Details and Future Plans:
Kuznetsov’s current contract with the Carolina Hurricanes pays him $7.8 million through the 2024-25 season. If he does decide to go back home, he’d join other players who have signed with the KHL this offseason like Egor Afanasyev and Wade Allison.
Fans might think it’s surprising how quickly these rumors spread without solid info.
Kuznetsov knows the KHL well; he played five seasons there with Traktor Chelyabinsk from 2009 to 2013. During that time, he scored 65 goals and racked up 146 points in regular-season games plus another 13 goals and 21 points in playoff games.
He joined the Capitals at the end of the 2013-14 season and became one of their top scorers over the last decade. His efforts helped Washington win a Stanley Cup in 2018. Unfortunately, this season hasn’t been great for him.
What do you think? Should Kuznetsov stay or go?
