Longtime Penguins Rival Still Looking for Next NHL Contract
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Longtime former Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, who always made life hard for the divisional foe Pittsburgh Penguins, remains without an NHL contract.
While there are still multiple players who are still available on the open market, one such player with an impressive resume is former Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, who always made life difficult for the divisional foe Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kuznetsov, who most recently played in the NHL in 2024 with the Carolina Hurricanes, was part of the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup team, which was made possible with their ECSF win over the Penguins thanks to Kuznetsov's OT GWG in Game 6.
Kuznetsov's agent Shumi Babayev said that his client is ready to come back to the NHL after playing a year in Russia in the KHL with SKA Saint Petersburg.
I've already spoken with a number of clubs about Evgeny's contract in the NHL. I've decided that next year, he will play in North America.»
I have big questions about how he was utilized (in the KHL). Until December, he was one of the best players, then the (struggles) began. It was mentally hard for him. I think Evgeny hasn't said his last word in the NHL. He'll be able to prove himself better there, I think his potential in the NHL is higher.
I have big questions about how he was utilized (in the KHL). Until December, he was one of the best players, then the (struggles) began. It was mentally hard for him. I think Evgeny hasn't said his last word in the NHL. He'll be able to prove himself better there, I think his potential in the NHL is higher.
Kuznetsov had 37 points (12G, 25A) in 39 games with Saint Petersburg, and has 568 points (171G, 397A) in 723 NHL games with the Capitals and Hurricanes.
Kuznetsov is still relatively young at 33 years old, and could be a contributor to a team looking to make a playoff run.
Kuznetsov eliminated the Penguins with his OT GWG in 2018
The Penguins and Capitals had played each other in consecutive years in 2016 and 2017, with the Penguins winning both series.
2018 was a different story, as the Capitals advanced to the ECF for the 1st time since 1998 thanks to Kuznetsov's OT GWG in Game 6, eliminating the Penguins and ending their quest for a Stanley Cup 3-peat.
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