Former Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov has made the decision to leave the NHL and return to Russia to play for SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League. This move comes after his contract with the Hurricanes was terminated by mutual agreement, allowing him to sign a four-year deal with his new team.
Kuznetsov, who was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Washington Capitals before the trade deadline in March, had a limited role with the team, recording 13 points in 30 games as they made it to the second round of the playoffs. Despite being a key player during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Kuznetsov’s performance has been inconsistent in recent years.
The decision to leave the NHL and join a team in Russia comes after a series of controversies for Kuznetsov. He was suspended by the NHL in 2019 for inappropriate conduct and banned from playing for Russia for four years due to a positive test for cocaine. More recently, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February, leading to the termination of his contract with the Hurricanes.
The terms of Kuznetsov’s contract with SKA Saint Petersburg were not disclosed, but this move represents a fresh start for the talented center as he looks to rebuild his career in Russia. Despite walking away from a significant amount of money owed to him by the Hurricanes, Kuznetsov seems determined to put his past troubles behind him and focus on his future in the KHL.
It will be interesting to see how Kuznetsov performs in his new environment and whether he can recapture the form that made him a standout player in the NHL. With the support of his new team and the opportunity to play in familiar surroundings, Kuznetsov has the potential to make a strong impact in the KHL and revitalize his career. Fans will be watching closely to see how this next chapter unfolds for the talented Russian center.