Evgeny Kuznetsov is targeting an NHL return after leaving SKA (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Former Washington Capitals forward and longtime Alex Ovechkin teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov is returning to the NHL, his agent Shumi Babaev told RG Media. Babaev said he was the one who encouraged Kuznetsov to focus on opportunities in North America.
“I worked with Evgeny in Russia. In the U.S., he had a different agent, but now I represent his interests in the NHL,” Babaev explained to RG. “He asked for my opinion, and I’ve always said that the NHL is where he belongs. Last year, he was mentally and physically exhausted and wanted to come back to Russia. But even at 60–70% of his usual level, he was still one of the top players in the KHL.”
Kuznetsov signed a four-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg in the summer of 2024 after terminating his NHL deal, but that contract was mutually terminated in April 2025. He recorded 37 points in 39 games last season with SKA while battling injuries. The 2018 Stanley Cup champion also played in SKA’s brief Gagarin Cup playoff run, tallying three points (1G, 2A) in a six-game series loss to Dynamo Moscow.
“A Quality Center at a Reasonable Price”
“The coach didn’t use him the way Evgeny would’ve liked,” Babaev said of the decision to part ways with SKA. “I told him: a year has passed, it’s a clean slate—this is the perfect moment to try and return to his previous level. He’s had time away from the NHL and now clearly sees the difference in the level of hockey. It’ll be easier for him to perform in a league where he spent so many years.”
Kuznetsov agreed. Babaev says he’s now only negotiating with NHL teams.
“Not because there are no offers from Russia—there are. And honestly, he’d still be one of the best players in the KHL. But right now, the focus is on returning to the NHL."
According to Babaev, around 10 NHL teams have expressed interest.
“In my view, there are about ten teams where Kuznetsov could be a real asset—where there’s both room on the roster and cap space. I think we could have clarity within a couple of weeks.”
No Tryout Offers Will Be Considered
Kuznetsov spent 11 seasons with the Capitals, posting 568 points in 723 games. He won the Stanley Cup in 2018. During the 2023–24 season, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he recorded 7 points (2G, 5A) in 20 regular-season games and added 3 points (1G, 2A) in six playoff appearances.
“I don’t think the perception of Kuznetsov in the NHL has changed,” Babaev said. “He’s still viewed as a high-end talent with great potential.”
Babaev also made it clear that Kuznetsov will not sign a tryout contract.
“There’s no need to ‘test’ Kuznetsov. Everyone knows who he is and what he can do."
Kuznetsov is currently on vacation in the U.S. with his family but plans to return to Russia on July 15 to begin offseason training at Babaev’s camp. Other NHL players taking part include New Jersey Devils newcomer Arseniy Gritsyuk and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov. Last season, Kuznetsov played for SKA alongside Ivan Demidov, who has since signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens and begun his NHL career.
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Daria Tuboltseva
