During the Russian National Team’s media day before the World Championships, Evgeny Kuznetsov announced that he will be staying in the KHL for two more seasons.

As per Artem Kuznetsov of R-Sport:

“It was a tough decision, I talked to my parents and decided to stay in Chelyabinsk for two more years. The contract hasn’t been signed yet though. I’ve decided right away that I won’t go to any other Russian team. If I did, it would be a VHL [KHL’s minor affiliate league] team.”

The forward said that he made the final decision himself. According to him, contract details have been settled, but the deal hasn’t been signed.

“First of all, I really want to make the Olympic team badly. We have a strong team, I’ll get some experience and will play,” said the winger, who also added that the Capitals, who own his rights in North America, have not yet been notified about his decision.

According to Championat.com, he also said that “he wanted to go to America too.”