Evgeny Kuznetsov has expressed his interest in returning to the NHL after spending one season in the KHL. After terminating his contract with SKA Saint Petersburg, he has not yet found an NHL team despite interest from multiple clubs. Kuznetsov aims to join a team where he will be valued, regardless of immediate championship contention. His season in the KHL saw him facing challenges, including injuries. His agent, Shumi Babaev, continues ongoing negotiations with teams in search of a fit for Kuznetsov's return to the league.
Kuznetsov originally made his way back to the KHL after an initial mutual contract termination with the Carolina Hurricanes at the end of the 2023-24 season. The move back to Russia ended an 11-year stint in North America for Kuznetsov, spent primarily with the Washington Capitals.
Babaev added that Kuznetsov is not going to be picky about a landing spot, not needing the team to be in immediate contention for a Stanley Cup. 'There is no such talk now, there is simply a desire to find a team where he will be needed,' he said.
In his one season with SKA, Kuznetsov recorded 37 points (12g, 25a) in 39 games. He missed a chunk of time during the year due to suffering two separate concussions, and the end of his stint with the club was tumultuous.
I talk to [NHL] teams all the time,' Babaev told Mikhail Zilis earlier this week. 'Every day I talk to two or three clubs, feel out what's going on, some signings. [Kuznetsov] is now motivated to come back, to show what he is capable of.
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