Evgeny Kuznetsov signs new contract!

To play in the NHL or not to play (anymore) in the NHL. That was the question that was on Evgeny Kuznetsov’s mind for the past weeks. Especially after he was placed on unconditional waivers for purposes of a mutual contract termination by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Rumours had started to emerge that Kuznetsov was looking to go back home in Russia, despite chatter linking him to more than 15 NHL clubs as a free agent.

However on Wednesday, Kuznetsov made the decision to return to Russia and has signed a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg, as the KHL announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, this morning.

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. His choice is to go back home and that might be the best call.

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.

Time now for a new chapter with SKA.