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Evgeny Kuznetsov’s Final Regular Season Game in Chelyabinsk: Named Captain, Scores Goal, Says Goodbye

By Ian Oland

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March 4, 2014 11:42 am

evgeny-kuznetsov-zamboni

Photo: @Kuzya92

Evgeny Kuznetsov‘s Traktor Chelyabinsk was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before their game against Ak Bars on Tuesday. It was still a big game for Kuznetsov, who has been treating it as if it would be his last in Chelyabinsk.

This post contains everything we know so far. We’ll be updating throughout the day.

In the morning, Kuznetsov tweeted that “today would be a very difficult day.”

Via Fedor Fedin, R-Sport reported that Kuznetsov would leave for Washington after the game.

In an english version of their story, R-Sport quotes a source close to Kuznetsov that says:

“Kuznetsov wasn’t going to play in the Cup of Hope matches. He has already bought tickets and after the end of the KHL regular season, he will fly to North America,” the source said.

Via Igor Kleyner, Kuznetsov’s agent later reminded the press that Kuzya was still under KHL contract.

Kuznetsov’s agent Valery Gushchin told R-Sport:

“Don’t rush to send Kuznetsov off to the NHL just yet. He is playing against Ak Bars today, then all the questions with Traktor need to be resolved. While he is under contract with Chelyabinsk, Kuznetsov can not leave for Washington. It is too early to to say that Evgeny will play for Washington this season. Is it realistic to settle everything in a day? It is.”

Before the game started, Kuznetsov presented a zamboni with his name on it to Traktor’s hockey academy. According to Sovetsky Sport, the gift’s value is at least 4 million roubles (approximately $100,000).

Kuznetsov, said of the gift, “never forget where you were born and grew up.”

kuzya-captain

Traktor Chelyabinsk named Kuznetsov as a captain before the game. It was the first time he’s ever been captain of the team, and said a week earlier that if that if it happened, it would be a dream come true.

In the second period, Kuznetsov scored a power play goal to put Traktor up 2-1. He went down to one knee and pumped his fist after the goal.

Ak Bars won 3-2 in the shootout. Kuznetsov missed on his only shootout attempt.

11:15 AM Based on the structure of the new CBA, Kuznetsov’s future entry-level deal with Washington will be only for two years because he will be 22-years-old (May 19) before Sep. 15, 2014.

12:10 PM: Ovechkin comments on Kuznetsov to the Caps media after practice.

The Washington Post’s Katie Carrera has Ovechkin’s full comments.

“I don’t know how he’s going to play on small ice to be honest with you. He’s skilled guy. Of course probably going to need some time to realize what’s happening,” Ovechkin said, acknowledging that it would be an intense stretch of the season to throw Kuznetsov in the lineup with the Capitals vying for a playoff spot.

“I think when you 21 years old you have to understand especially right now when we fight for playoffs and every points counts,” Ovechkin said. “He just have to play his game and help us.”

12:25 PM: Adam Oates speaks about Kuznetsov.

Monumental Network has Oates’ full press conference with reporters.

12:35 PM: TSN’s Bob McKenzie shares what he’s hearing about Kuznetsov.

12:50: Troy Brouwer, clearly grouchy after not having lunch yet, talks about Kuznetsov.

Additional reporting and translations by Igor Kleyner.

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