It’s Kuzya Time

Exclusive: Evgeny Kuznetsov Talks to RMNB About His First Day in America

Photo: Chris Gordon

Sunday was Evgeny Kuznetsov‘s first full day as an official Washington Capital, and we were all over it. Our intrepid reporters were at Kettler Capitals Iceplex first thing in the morning, taking photos, and covering his first press conference. But we also got a couple minutes with the man himself to chat in his native tongue.

RMNB’s own Igor Kleyner and Kuznetsov chatted about his first few hours in Washington, expectations for the Penguins game, and comparisons to Evgeni Malkin. Igor’s got your translation below.

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By Igor Kleyner 9 years ago

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Walking on (Frozen) Water: Evgeny Kuznetsov Says “No Pressure” Coming to Caps

Photo: Chris Gordon

At Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Sunday morning, a dozen reporters and three photographers watched Evgeny Kuznetsov skate around for 45 minutes. It was eight in the morning and he was the only player on the ice. Fans held up signs welcoming him in Russian and wore his KHL jersey in the stands. The day before, Kuznetsov had signed a two-year entry-level contract with Washington, ending a four year battle to bring him over from the KHL after being drafted 26th overall by the Capitals in 2010.

“My contract is over,” Kuznetsov told reporters gathered in the Kettler conference room. “I’m excited. All is good.”

“Any hockey player wants to play in the NHL, wants to win the Cup,” he added. “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. I’m happy to see you. I’m ready 100 percent. I want to play.”

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By Chris Gordon 9 years ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov Officially Signs NHL Contract (Photo)

Evgeny Kuznetsov is in the building and he is now officially ours for the next two seasons.

Photo: @WashCaps

By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov’s New Locker Stall at Kettler (Photo)

You guys, Evgeny Kuznetsov is really here and signed now and every little part of that process is exciting. Such as this photo from the Washington Capitals. The pic, which shows Kuznetsov’s new locker stall at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, received over 3,000 likes in two hours on Instagram.

Let me repeat, a photo of a locker stall and a nameplate. Three thousand likes.

You’re excited. We’re excited. Everyone’s excited. Why? Because it’s finally Kuzya Time.

Let’s do this.

By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov Signs Entry-Level Contract with Washington Capitals, Will Wear #92

Almost four years after he was drafted by the team, Evgeny Kuznetsov has been signed by the Washington Capitals. Drafted 26th overall in 2010, Kuznetsov has stayed in Russia, playing for the KHL’s Traktor Chelyabinsk. For the past year we’ve had indications Kuznetsov would finally be coming over. That came to a head a few days ago when he voided his expiring contract with Traktor after they failed to make the playoffs.

Just after 1 pm today, the Caps announced they had signed the 21-year-old to a two-year entry level contract. Caps GM George McPhee will talk about the signing tonight at Verizon Center. Tomorrow morning at 8, Kuznetsov will take the ice as a member of the Washington Capitals for the first time before addressing the media. He will be wearing his usual number 92.

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By Chris Gordon 9 years ago

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It’s Kuzya Time: KHL Announces Evgeny Kuznetsov’s Contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk Has Been Terminated

This just in: Caps prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov has been released from his KHL contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk. This is another hurdle cleared on his path to Washington.

The Caps have a policy of not discussing players currently under contract to other teams. That no longer applies here. What happens next will be interesting.

The news comes directly from the KHL’s Facebook page.

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By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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