Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Penguins Rival Evgeny Kuznetzov May Be Returning to the NHL After Comments From His Agent
One of the biggest thorns in the Penguins side over the years was former Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetzov, and he could be on his way back into the NHL.
There were legendary battles between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs over the years following the 2005 NHL Lockout, usually with the Penguins prevailing.
However, the Capitals finally broke through and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final thanks to their 6-game series win in 2018. Washington forward Evgeny Kuznetzov scored the overtime GWG past goaltender Matt Murray in an image that still haunts Penguins fans to this day:
Kuznetzov helped the Capitals to the Stanley Cup, leading the postseason in scoring with 32 points (12G, 20A).
His career with the Capitals eventually wound down, which also included a stay in the NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He would be traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, but chose to return to his native Russia to play for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL.
This past April, both sides agreed to mutually terminate the contract, making Kuznetzov a free agent. Based on comments made by his agent Shumi Babaev, they'd consider a return to North America if the right offer came along; they're also inquiring with the top other clubs in the KHL.
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 with the strongest teams in the KHL. Evgeny is a top player, an elite one. I am sure that he is the best hockey player in the KHL now.
We are not currently negotiating with North American clubs. If the NHL offer is most preferable, then Evgeny will return there.
We are not currently negotiating with North American clubs. If the NHL offer is most preferable, then Evgeny will return there.
Kuznetzov has appeared in in 723 NHL games with the Capitals and Hurricanes, scoring 568 points (171G, 397A).
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 72 ANSWERS Penguins Rival Evgeny Kuznetzov May Be Returning to the NHL After Comments From His Agent Can Evgeny Kuznetzov make a successful return to the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 50 | 69.4 % |
| No | 22 | 30.6 % |
| List of polls | ||