Evgeny Kuznetsov’s KHL comeback has come to an abrupt end, with the former NHL star and SKA St. Petersburg agreeing to tear up his contract just months after he signed a four-year deal.
The 32-year-old forward was actually doing pretty well in Russia, leading his team with nearly a point per game – 12 goals and 37 points in 39 games.
It’s been quite a journey for the Russian playmaker. Before heading home last summer, Kuznetsov spent 11 years lighting up the NHL with the Washington Capitals.
His numbers in Washington were impressive: 568 points in 723 games. But it was in the playoffs where he really shined, especially during the Caps’ 2018 Stanley Cup run when he racked up 32 points.
Just two seasons ago, “Kuzy” was still playing at an elite level, putting up 78 points in 79 games.
Then things got complicated.
He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, got placed on waivers, and eventually saw the Capitals trade him to Carolina while eating half of his $7.8 million salary.
His time with the Hurricanes didn’t last long – just 20 games before they terminated his contract.
There might be more to this story than meets the eye. Kuznetsov recently told Russian news outlet Sport-Express that he’s figured out how to better manage his rheumatoid arthritis, which was affecting his play last season.
Interestingly, this news comes on the same day his former SKA teammate Ivan Demidov signed with the Montreal Canadiens. Kuznetsov had been mentoring the young Russian this season.
Could Kuznetsov be eyeing an NHL comeback? At 32, he’s still young enough to contribute, especially if his health issues are under control.
The question now is whether any NHL teams will take a chance on the talented but unpredictable center who once helped lead Washington to hockey’s biggest prize.
