Evgeny Kuznetsov reconsiders leaving NHL after stunning update!

Last week, the Carolina Hurricanes placed forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers for purposes of a mutual contract termination. The move came after it was reported that the Russian forward was looking to head back home to play in the KHL.

However on Tuesday, his agent Shumi Babayev revealed that his client had received interest from 15 NHL teams, though he is also exploring options in the KHL following reports that he was leaving the NHL in order to play overseas with SKA St. Petersburg.

“He just wants to play hockey and be trusted,” Babayev told Russian publication RB Sport. “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.”

The past seasons have been quite hard on Kuznetsov since the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018, leading to off-ice issues and apparent tension with management. His former captain Alex Ovechkin recently commented that Kuznetsov is in a difficult situation and will do what is best for him and his family.

This past year, Kuznetsov did get some help when he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after the 2024 NHL All-Star Break. He had also requested a trade, which brought him to Carolina in exchange for a third-round pick while retaining half of his salary.

In 63 games split between Washington and Carolina this past season, Kuznetsov posted eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points, and added four goals and two assists in 10 playoff games for the Hurricanes. In total for his NHL career, Kuznetsov spent 11 years in America, recording 575 points in 743 total games. He won the Stanley Cup in 2018 and had four 70-plus point seasons.

That’s why I am not surprised teams are interested in what he can still bring to the table in the NHL, though his agent claims Kuznetsov is leaning towards pursing his career in Russia.

“He has not made a final decision yet,” his agent added. “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.”

In addition to the NHL clubs that are asking about Kuznetsov, the veteran forward is still receiving a lot of interest in the KHL. The SKA remains in the mix, while it is believed that hometown KHL team, Traktor Chelyabinsk, is also expressing interest in his services and is willing to match SKA’s offer.

Let’s see where this goes.