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Evgeny Kuznetzov Returning to NHL: Penguins Could Reunite Him With National Teammate Evgeni Malkin
The Pittsburgh Penguins could go many ways this off-season, but recent reports have now hinted that they could add a veteran NHLer returning from the KHL.
This past season, Evgeny Kuznetsov departed the NHL, returning home to Russia to join the KHL, but after having his contract terminated, questions have been asked about his future once more.
According to his agent, they are talking to some of the best teams in the KHL, but in that process, the door has potentially been opened to an NHL return for the long-time veteran.
"The process of finding a new club for Kuznetsov is going well. We are working on it. I can't say yet that we are in advanced negotiations with anyone. We are talking to the strongest teams in the KHL. Evgeny is a top player, elite. I'm sure he's the best hockey player in the KHL right now."
While it appears the focus is on remaining in the KHL, this has many questioning a potential return to the NHL for Kuznetsov, and reportedly if that is to happen, it won't be a reunion with the Washington Capitals.
If that is the case, Kyle Dubas could look to strike and add the veteran to the Pittsburgh Penguins roster, as he would make a solid pairing alongside his Russian national teammate Evgeni Malkin, who desperately needs consistency on his wing.
At 33-years of age, if Kuznetsov is to return to the NHL, it will likely need to come soon, and with almost 750 games of experience under his belt, teams would be crazy not to attempt to bring him back.
While the Penguins could target him, they're also looking to get younger, so if they did bring Kuznetsov in to the fold this off-season, they'd need to be making a push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, so while it's not expected at this point, this could definitely be a play for Kyle Dubas.
| POLL | ||
MAI 25 | 116 ANSWERS Evgeny Kuznetzov Returning to NHL: Penguins Could Reunite Him With National Teammate Evgeni Malkin Should the Penguins target Evgeny Kuznetsov if he returns from the KHL? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 54.3 % |
| No | 53 | 45.7 % |
| List of polls | ||