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Penguins in the Mix? Kuznetsov's Agent Teases NHL Return: 'Two Teams Resolving Budget Issues'
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The agent for former Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has provided the latest information on his client's status for the upcoming year.
Evgeny Kuznetsov spent many years with the Pittsburgh Penguins' divisional foe Washington Capitals, even knocking them from the postseason with his OT GWG in Game 6 of the 2018 ECSF.
In 2024, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and soon returned home to Russia to play in the KHL, but has shown interest in an NHL return.
Why Pittsburgh Could Be a Surprise Fit for Evgeny Kuznetsov
Signing with the Penguins would give Kuznetsov a chance not only to play with a team he knows very well from his days with the Capitals as a divisional foe, but to play with fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin.
Agent Shumi Babayev Provides Rare Insight Into Ongoing Talks
Shumi Babayev, Kuznetsov's agent, recently provided insight into his client's contract talks with Mikhail Nyukhin of Sport Day by Day.
There is no news yet. He is training in Moscow at Arktika. He is preparing for the season.
There is no search for a club. There is an expectation of signing. We have decided on the clubs. Two clubs are currently deciding on issues within their ceiling.
He also shut down any thought of his client accepting a League-minimum salary.
There was no talk of a minimum.
Recently, it was announced that Kuznetsov and his agent had spoken with at least 10 NHL teams, though their identities weren't revealed.
Kuznetsov has 568 points (171G, 397A) in 723 NHL games.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 31 ANSWERS Penguins in the Mix? Kuznetsov's Agent Teases NHL Return: 'Two Teams Resolving Budget Issues' Would Evgeni Kuznetsov be a good fit with the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 61.3 % |
| No | 12 | 38.7 % |
| List of polls | ||