Evgeny Kuznetsov is eyeing an NHL return in 2025–26 after a short stint with SKA St. Petersburg within the KHL. With hypothesis surrounding a possible reunion with the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin addressed the chatter however stored his distance from the decision-making.
What Does Alex Ovechkin Assume About Evgeny Kuznetsov’s NHL Return?
Requested about Kuznetsov probably rejoining the Capitals, Ovechkin responded rigorously in an interview with Gazeta.ru.
“Can Evgeny return to Washington?” Ovechkin stated. “This isn’t a query for me, however for his agent. He has his personal head on his shoulders. God keen, he indicators a contract with the membership and reveals his stage both within the NHL or the KHL.”
Kuznetsov, 33, grew to become a free agent after parting methods with SKA in April. His agent, Shumi Babaev, lately confirmed that a number of NHL groups have proven curiosity, although Washington will not be at present seen as a high possibility.
“Choices are rising, negotiations are ongoing, however I can’t give any specifics but,” Babaev shared.
Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov Go Method Again
Ovechkin and Kuznetsov shared the ice in Washington for over a decade, forming a key a part of the Capitals’ Stanley Cup-winning group in 2018.
However their ultimate seasons collectively have been turbulent. Kuznetsov entered the league’s Participant Help Program, had a short AHL project, and was ultimately traded to the Carolina Hurricanes throughout the 2023–24 marketing campaign.
NEWS | The Washington Capitals have acquired a third-round decide within the 2025 NHL Draft from the Carolina Hurricanes for ahead Evgeny Kuznetsov.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 8, 2024
Regardless of the historical past, the 2 won’t reunite in D.C.
Kuznetsov has been seen skating in native pickup video games at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, even scoring two targets and 4 assists in a latest beer league outing. However Ovechkin remained indifferent when requested whether or not a return to the Capitals was within the playing cards.
“I’m not a supervisor,” he stated. “That is enterprise, that is the NHL. Everybody understands there may be trades. However we’ll see. Washington’s scouts and normal supervisor are a number of the finest. They consider whether or not a participant is correct for us.”
Ovechkin didn’t dismiss the thought outright, however didn’t seem desperate to push for it both. Within the midst of a youth motion, Washington could also be much less inclined to revisit the previous, even with a well-recognized face like Kuznetsov.
In response to Babaev, a call might come by early August.
“We perceive that our request is totally related for the scenario Evgeniy is in,” he stated. “I see that there are alternatives and curiosity. I feel that readability will come on the finish of July or the start of August.”
For Ovechkin, the main target stays squarely on the season forward and including to his all-time purpose report, as soon as held by Wayne Gretzky, that he broke final season. Whether or not Kuznetsov components into that story remains to be up within the air.
