NHL Rumors: Former Capitals All-Star Keen To Decide Up ‘Show-It’ Contract To Signal With Stanley Cup Contending Groups
Evgeny Kuznetsov sits in limbo, ready for the telephone to ring. The veteran heart proved he nonetheless has fuel within the tank throughout his Kontinental Hockey League stint with SKA St. Petersburg, however NHL groups stay hesitant to drag the set off. Together with his willingness to simply accept a bargain-basement contract and play a decreased function, somebody’s going to get a steal in the event that they’re courageous sufficient to take the prospect.
What’s Kuznetsov Truly Value on At present’s Market?
Greater than two weeks into July, most NHL unrestricted free brokers have discovered new houses. Nonetheless, a number of gamers are nonetheless looking for franchises to name dwelling, and Kuznetsov stands out amongst them. After spending the 2024-25 season within the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, the 33-year-old heart is eyeing a return to the NHL.
Regardless of his age, Kuznetsov put collectively a strong yr abroad. He tallied 12 targets, 25 assists, and 37 factors with a plus-13 score in 39 video games. These numbers present he can nonetheless contribute, but the middle stays unsigned as groups consider their choices.
Given Kuznetsov’s previous NHL success, there could possibly be a workforce on the market prepared to signal him to a one-year, prove-it deal earlier than the 2025-26 season arrives. Throughout his 11 seasons with Washington, he appeared in 723 video games and posted 171 targets and 568 factors. At his peak, he was often called a point-per-game scorer whereas averaging 20:17 of ice time per evening, reaching his peak throughout the 2021-22 marketing campaign.
Based on league insider David Pagnotta, the previous third-line heart is trying to fill a gap for round $1 million plus incentives. His monetary expectations mirror the fact of his scenario.
David Pagnotta: Re Evgeny Kuznetsov: He’s prepared to take 1,000,000, two million bucks plus incentives, someplace, for…a contender that’s wanting so as to add – Whats up Hockey
— NHL Hearsay Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 17, 2025
How Did Kuznetsov’s NHL Profession Take This Flip?
Kuznetsov’s departure from the NHL wasn’t precisely standard. His time with Washington got here to an finish in late January of 2024, marking the ultimate moments of his prolonged tenure with the workforce. The Capitals traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes on the commerce deadline for a mid-round draft choose, ending an period within the nation’s capital.
He completed the 2023-24 season with two targets and 7 factors in 20 video games for Carolina. The playoffs supplied extra promise, as he added 4 targets and 6 factors in 10 postseason contests, exhibiting flashes of his former self when it mattered most.
However the 2024-25 season introduced an surprising twist. Carolina positioned Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers for a mutual termination of Kuznetsov’s contract, permitting the Russian native to return dwelling to proceed his skilled profession.
It was a couple of weeks after that he signed a four-year deal with the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg. The transfer appeared to sign the top of his NHL profession, however his latest efficiency abroad has reignited curiosity in a possible return.
Which Groups Might Take a Probability on Kuznetsov?
Assuming Kuznetsov can be prepared to simply accept a bottom-six function, a number of groups might use the extra depth he’d present. The Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins all have roster spots that would profit from his expertise and talent set.
His willingness to take a decreased function makes him a beautiful possibility for groups wanting so as to add veteran presence with out breaking the financial institution. The mixture of his playoff expertise and comparatively modest wage calls for creates an intriguing alternative for the best group.
Evgeny Kuznetsov intends to make an NHL comeback subsequent season. pic.twitter.com/73bjtN2Sfs
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 26, 2025
Whereas it seems a reunion along with his former franchise is totally off the desk, a return to the league is feasible for these Kuznetsov followers on the market.
