Evgeny Kuznetsov’s closest friends in the hockey world are commenting on his impending move back to the KHL. Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin called Kuznetsov’s next career decision a “difficult situation” on Saturday and now Dmitry Orlov is weighing in.
Orlov has been a teammate of Kuznetsov in every single season of the Russian center’s career. The veteran blueliner first formed his tight bond with Kuznetsov through the 10 years they spent with the Capitals and then Kuznetsov joined back up with Orlov on the Carolina Hurricanes at last year’s trade deadline.
“It’s all unofficial for now,” Orlov told Match TV’s Alexander Rogulev and as translated via Google Translate. “I wrote, I called, he’s busy with his own affairs for now. As a friend, I’ll accept any decision he makes. I think he could still play in the NHL, he’s got the skills.”
Kuznetsov had the worst season of his career in the NHL last year, posting just 24 points (8g, 16a) in 63 games with the Capitals and Hurricanes combined. The 32-year-old pivot also spent a large chunk of the 2023-24 campaign in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program which he admitted took him out of game shape for a few weeks. He did up his production in the postseason with Carolina, posting six points (4g, 2a) in 10 games.
Kuznetsov has not played in the KHL since he was 21 years old with Traktor Chelyabinsk during the 2013-14 season.
Unlike Orlov, Ilya Kovalchuk, another of Kuznetsov’s former teammates, is excited about Kuznetsov returning to the KHL. Kovalchuk has bounced back and forth between the NHL and KHL several times throughout his career despite being a star-level producer in both leagues.
“If Zhenya comes to the KHL now, it will be a huge plus for the entire league,” Kovalchuk told Match TV’s Pavel Lysenkov. “People of such scale and talent always attract attention. Our league simply needs this now. I hope that the KHL marketers will work on properly promoting such players so that many young people come and watch them.
“On the ice, he is one of the most phenomenal players that I have played with or against. It is already clear to everyone that Kuznetsov will come to the KHL. It will be very cool, a huge plus.”
Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, recently stated on his Telegram account that Kuznetsov will definitely be returning to Russia.
“We have been working with Evgeny Kuznetsov for several years now,” Babaev wrote. “Now it is time to watch his magic live. In the near future, the Chelyabinsk wizard will sign a contract in the KHL, and we will delight you with highlights featuring him on a regular basis.”
“He just wants to play hockey and be trusted,” Babaev added to RB Sport on Tuesday. “He still has many years left in him.”
