Evgeny Kuznetsov is leaving Sibir Novosibirsk after 56 days due to a difficult family issue.
Friday, the KHL club announced that both the player and the team had mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
Per a Sibir release and a translation by Google Translate:
Evgeny Kuznetsov Leaves Sibir
Hockey Club Sibir has mutually agreed to terminate the contract of forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Sibir General Director Lev Krutokhvostov:
“Evgeny and I had a frank, professional conversation, and we concluded that terminating the contract by mutual agreement was the best course of action. He didn’t join us right at the start of the season, though he did put up points in his first few games. While his physical condition may have affected his consistency, the issue stemmed less from the training process itself and more from family circumstances that prevented him from fully meeting the demands of training and games. He understands the team’s situation and knows he is counted on as a leader, but right now, he cannot play at his peak or live up to our expectations. We discussed the matter and decided it was best to terminate the contract and look for a replacement.”
We thank Evgeny for his efforts and wish him success in his future career!
Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, told RB Sport that “the reason was the health of a family member.” He added that the team took the news well because, “When a family is going through a situation like that, things are completely different in their minds. His game wasn’t going well, his head was in disarray. The club sees it and everyone understands.”
Kuznetsov’s mother, Larisa, commented on Sibir’s Instagram post, revealing that “Zhenya’s father is in serious condition.”
Despite the off-ice family issues, Kuznetsov still managed to record four points (2g, 2a) in eight games. He signed a one-year contract with Sibir on August 8.
RMNB’s thoughts are with the Kuznetsov family during this difficult time.
