Evgeny Kuznetsov reportedly undecided on where he'll play next season

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Cooper Godin
July 24, 2024 (8:18)

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Unrestricted free agent forward Evgeny Kuznetsov is reportedly undecided on where he'll spend the 2024-25 campaign.

One week ago, Evgeny Kuznetsov's time with the Carolina Hurricanes came to an end after he was placed on unconditional waivers to have the final year of his contract terminated, which was a mutual decision.

Prior to the move becoming official, it was reported that Kuznetsov was going to return home to Russia and sign a four-year contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg. However, in the week since Kuznetsov's contract termination, nothing has been made official from SKA St. Petersburg and with eight days until they open their training camp, questions are beginning to arise as to where he'll play next season.

In an interview in with Olesya Usova of Russia's RB Sport, Kuznetsov's agent Shumi Babayev shared that his client could still play in the National Hockey League next season and that 15 teams have expressed interest in signing him to a contract.

Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Russian.

"There is still interest in Evgeny Kuznetsov from 15 NHL clubs" Babayev said.

He added, "He just wants to play hockey and be trusted. He still has the ability to play for many years to come. Kuznetsov is in good physical shape If there was interest in those teams that count on him and let him show his best qualities, he would also consider them."

Babayev went on to say that his client is still leaning towards playing in Russia, but just wants to be able to play hockey, have fun and win a championship, wherever he ends up.

"He has not made a final decision yet. 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." Babayev said.

Kuznetsov, 32, spent 11 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes before having his contract terminated back on July 17th. During his tenure in the league, he recorded 575 points (173 goals, 402 assists) and 394 penalty minutes in 743 games. The Chelyabinsk native also had 73 points in 97 playoff games and helped the Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2018.

We'll have to wait and see how this story develops in the coming weeks as Kuznetsov looks for a new home for the 2024-25 season, but it'll be interesting to see if any team in the National Hockey League offers him a deal that would make him reconsider playing back home in Russia.

Source: RB Sport
Kuznetsov's Agent: There is still interest in Evgeny from 15 NHL clubs