NHL Rumors: Is Evgeny Kuznetsov Really Leaving the NHL?

Evgeny Kuznetsov's potential departure from the NHL to join the KHL came as a shock on Monday.

According to the Russian publication Championat, Kuznetsov plans to sign a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg, pending the termination of his existing contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.

According to "Championat", forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will return to Russia and sign a contract with SKA. The term of the agreement is 4 years. pic.twitter.com/4FnP8YjP6I
— Uggg (@Uggg_uggg) July 15, 2024

This report, while still speculative, has been somewhat validated by Kuznetsov's friend and agent Shumi Babayev, who acknowledged the interest from SKA and other KHL clubs but emphasized that it's too early to definitively confirm his move back to Russia, according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

"Everything is possible, but it is too early to talk about the return of Evgeny Kuznetsov to Russia. It's not even clear why this information came out because he has another year left on his contract with Carolina. But there was interest from SKA," Babayev noted, adding, "I would be glad if Evgeny comes back, he will strengthen the KHL and he will be a star in the league, but it's too early to say that he will return to SKA or some other team. We are friends and communicate all the time; he is hungry for hockey and wants to enjoy the game."

Kuznetsov, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Hurricanes, carries a $7.8 million cap hit. He was traded to Carolina in March after requesting a change of scenery from the Washington Capitals, who are retaining half of his salary.

If Kuznetsov and the Hurricanes mutually agree to terminate the contract, his cap hit would be removed, alleviating the financial burden on both the Hurricanes and the Capitals, as noted by Silber.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, of SKA, is finished in the NHL. Had a good run, although never an analytical darling - probably one of those model-breaking playmakers. pic.twitter.com/TsYZaOe1eu
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 15, 2024

Given Kuznetsov's declining performance over the past two seasons, this contract termination might be preferred over a buyout, which would still impact their salary caps.

For the Capitals, Kuznetsov's departure would mark the end of an era, as he was instrumental in their 2018 Stanley Cup victory, amassing 173 goals and 575 points in 743 NHL games over his 11 seasons in the NHL. For the Hurricanes, losing a center like Kuznetsov would open up valuable cap space to strengthen their roster.

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