Evgeny Kuznetsov had a lot to say after signing a one-year contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk earlier in the week.
Speaking to Match TV’s Pavel Lysenkov and via a translation by Google Translate, Kuznetsov addressed everything from his failed attempt to return to the NHL this summer to the criticism he’s received “from everywhere.”
Kuznetsov’s next home was passionately debated and covered in Russian media after he mutually agreed to terminate his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in April. Rumors of a potential signing with Ak Bars Kazan popped up in early May. Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, then announced in late June that his client wanted to return to North America for the 2025-26 season.
According to Babaev, the duo had talks with more than 10 NHL teams, two of which were reportedly Montreal and Florida, but nothing came to fruition. The Capitals were never considered. He also revealed that another NHL team rumored to be interested in signing him, the Pittsburgh Penguins, never had any interest.
“They said no right away,” Kuznetsov said to Lysenkov.
During the chat, Kuznetsov pointed out that he had turned down an NHL opportunity right before signing a one-year, 10 million ruble deal ($123K USD) with Metallurg.
“There were other NHL teams,” Kuznetsov said. “Actually, I had an opportunity [on October 1] when Shumi Babaev had a contract. But I really wanted to play in the KHL for at least another year.”
Kuznetsov cited his desire to be near his parents, as Metallurg is a short drive from his hometown of Chelyabinsk. The Russian centerman was also interested in returning to Traktor, but his first KHL team never extended an offer despite knowing he was open to negotiations.
Kuznetsov’s return to the Russian league comes after many considered him to have a down year with SKA St. Petersburg, recording 37 points (12g, 25a) in 39 regular-season games. He then added 3 points (1g, 2a) in 6 playoff games.
“There’s still a lot to be said about my performance since last season,” Kuznetsov said. “There’s a lot of talk and questions for me. That’s why I want to play here for at least one season. And not just play, but enjoy hockey, dedicate all my attention to it. Hockey is all I have in my head, and in that regard, Metallurg is a great fit for me.”
Kuznetsov, who reportedly suffered two concussions during the season, seemed perturbed by the constant criticism he received and how much attention was focused on his dashboard stats, like goals and assists.
“They were throwing so much s**t at me, but I was still averaging a point per game despite two injuries,” Kuznetsov said. “I didn’t practice for a long time before the playoffs, but I came out and played pretty well. Maybe people wanted to see more, but I try to play for the team during games. And if the score is 3-1 or 4-1, I’m not going to rush for points. I play calmly, for the team. I don’t really care about goals and assists. The main thing is that the team wins and achieves success. After all, that’s the whole point of team play.”
When asked if he got any support during his difficult summer, such as from former Capitals teammate Alex Ovechkin, Kuznetsov said he did not.
“You know, no one called at all,” Kuznetsov said. “On the contrary, there was just some criticism pouring in from everywhere, half of it complete nonsense. But I’m the kind of person who never really makes excuses; I don’t try to make anything up. What anyone says doesn’t matter to me. Because I know how things really are. ”
Kuznetsov was excited to get another opportunity to go on the ice and “prove everything there. After all, how can hockey players be judged? Only by their performance, right?”
Kuznetsov returned to the Washington, DC area briefly during the summer, going viral for playing beer hockey multiple times at MedStar Capitals Iceplex — the Caps’ practice facility. The 2018 Stanley Cup champion spoke glowingly about the experience and shared his gratefulness for the reception he received.
“Yes, I skated there a lot,” Kuznetsov said. “There are three divisions in the amateur league. I played in all of them and had a ton of positive experiences. Until a point came when I realized the workload in that league, even in the top division, wasn’t enough for me. It’s really fun to play there, but I decided to fly to Russia and train in Moscow.”
The 33-year-old forward said he aims to play hockey for another 10 years and is fine with doing so in the minor leagues.
“I want to play in the top league (VHL),” he said. “I definitely want to spend my last season in the VHL. I want to ride the bus, just enjoy hockey. So when my last season comes, I’ll spend it in the top league. If they take me, of course.”
Metallurg has won 7 of their first 12 games and sit atop of the East standings as Kuznetsov joins the team.
