The next chapter in Evgeny Kuznetsov’s hockey career could be in Montreal.
According to sources cited by RG, the 33-year-old Russian forward is “mulling over a few offers” with the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens reportedly on that list. Their sources also indicated Kuznetsov’s camp “will be making a decision in the coming days.”
The Canadiens are coming off an encouraging 2024-25 season, qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in three years. The team has only made one major move in the offseason thus far, trading for and signing star defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders.
Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, has been pitching his client as an affordable depth piece, telling RG on July 1 that he’s worth the investment.
“At the same time, he’s not going to cost what he did before—he’s not an $8 million player anymore. His new deal will be significantly more affordable, and for many cap-strapped teams, that could be a steal: a quality center at a reasonable price. It’s actually a great moment for a comeback.”
Babaev also said that Kuznetsov is not interested in signing a professional tryout offer.
If a deal were to develop with the Canadiens, Kuznetsov would reunite with former SKA teammate and line-mate, Ivan Demidov. The 2024 first-round draft pick played 65 games in the KHL this past season before being brought across the Atlantic Ocean to make his NHL debut for Montreal on April 14.
Kuznetsov would provide the Canadiens with more depth at the center position. While the Habs’ roster boasts three solid regulars in Nick Suzuki, Jake Evans, and Alex Newhook, the team could use a fallback plan if Kirby Dach struggles in his recovery from the right knee surgery he had on February 28. The knee issue was his second season-ending procedure he’s undergone in as many campaigns.
