Evgeny Kuznetsov's NHL Days Are Finished

There have been plenty of rumors about Evgeny Kuznetsov's future since word emerged about the termination of his contract by the Carolina Hurricanes a couple of weeks back. It was assumed that he would be returning to Russia, but then it was revealed that he was getting a ton of interest from NHL teams and was still re-considering his next steps. 

But now it has become official, and he has signed a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.

Kuzy. Is. Back. pic.twitter.com/f3AEd0ypJE

— KHL (@khl_eng) July 31, 2024

Kuznetsov, 32, will be 36 when his deal expires in Russia, leaving it highly unlikely that he would have another shot at a return to the NHL. 

After 11+ mostly productive years with the Washington Capitals, Kuznetsov saw a big drop-off in 2023-24, and even spent several weeks in the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program. Shortly after his emergence from the program, he was dealt by the Caps to the Carolina Hurricanes in advance of the trade deadline. But he managed just seven points in 20 games for the Canes, and totaled just eight goals and 24 points overall this past season in 63 games. 

He should still have some good hockey left in him though, and SKA is banking on it with a pricey four-year deal. It was only two years ago that Kuznetsov recorded 24 goals and 78 points in 80 games for the Capitals, playing over 20 minutes a night. At just 32, the Russian team does not think that the wheels have completely fallen off yet for the former 1st-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. 

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports