Strong Interest in Kuznetsov Has Him Reconsidering His NHL Exit

We reported last week that Evgeny Kuznetsov would be terminating his contract with the Carolina Panthers, and according to a Russian media outlet, would be returning to his homeland to play in the KHL.

Now, however, with his freedom granted after the contract termination, it appears that the 32-year-old center hasn't quite given up on the NHL just yet.

A new report out of Russia's RB Sport claims that there is interest in Kuznetstov from no less than 15 NHL clubs.

Well-known agent Shumi Babayev, who represents the interests of striker Evgeny Kuznetsov, told RB Sport that there is still interest in the hockey player in North America... from 15 NHL clubs.

Kuznetsov had a disastrous season in 2023-24, his worst in his 10 full NHL seasons, with just 8 goals and 24 points split between his original team, the Washington Capitals, and the Hurricanes.

But with four 20-goal seasons under his belt, and still just 32, he's not quite washed up yet... as the reported interest from 15 teams indicates. So maybe a return to the KHL isn't a sure thing, after all.

"He has not made a final decision yet," said his agent. "Most likely, he is moving towards playing in the KHL. The man wants to play hockey and have fun, be useful and win. There are many factors here."

Fun was certainly one thing that Kuznetsov apparently did not have in 2023-24, which has led to this potential turning point in his career.