Evgeny Kuznetsov sits in limbo, waiting for the phone to ring. The veteran center proved he still has gas in the tank during his Kontinental Hockey League stint with SKA St. Petersburg, but NHL teams remain hesitant to pull the trigger. With his willingness to accept a bargain-basement contract and play a reduced role, someone’s going to get a steal if they’re brave enough to take the chance.
What’s Kuznetsov Actually Worth on Today’s Market?
More than two weeks into July, most NHL unrestricted free agents have found new homes. However, several players are still searching for franchises to call home, and Kuznetsov stands out among them. After spending the 2024-25 season in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, the 33-year-old center is eyeing a return to the NHL.
Despite his age, Kuznetsov put together a solid year overseas. He tallied 12 goals, 25 assists, and 37 points with a plus-13 rating in 39 games. Those numbers show he can still contribute, yet the center remains unsigned as teams evaluate their options.
Given Kuznetsov’s past NHL success, there could be a team out there willing to sign him to a one-year, prove-it deal before the 2025-26 season arrives. During his 11 seasons with Washington, he appeared in 723 games and posted 171 goals and 568 points. At his peak, he was known as a point-per-game scorer while averaging 20:17 of ice time per night, reaching his height during the 2021-22 campaign.
According to league insider David Pagnotta, the former third-line center is looking to fill a hole for around $1 million plus incentives. His financial expectations reflect the reality of his situation.
David Pagnotta: Re Evgeny Kuznetsov: He’s willing to take a million, two million bucks plus incentives, somewhere, for…a contender that’s looking to add – Hello Hockey
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 17, 2025
How Did Kuznetsov’s NHL Career Take This Turn?
Kuznetsov’s departure from the NHL wasn’t exactly conventional. His time with Washington came to an end in late January of 2024, marking the final moments of his lengthy tenure with the team. The Capitals traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline for a mid-round draft pick, ending an era in the nation’s capital.
He finished the 2023-24 season with two goals and seven points in 20 games for Carolina. The playoffs offered more promise, as he added four goals and six points in 10 postseason contests, showing flashes of his former self when it mattered most.
But the 2024-25 season brought an unexpected twist. Carolina placed Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers for a mutual termination of Kuznetsov’s contract, allowing the Russian native to return home to continue his professional career.
It was a few weeks after that he signed a four-year deal with the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg. The move seemed to signal the end of his NHL career, but his recent performance overseas has reignited interest in a potential return.
Which Teams Could Take a Chance on Kuznetsov?
Assuming Kuznetsov would be willing to accept a bottom-six role, several teams could use the additional depth he’d provide. The Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins all have roster spots that could benefit from his experience and skill set.
His willingness to take a reduced role makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add veteran presence without breaking the bank. The combination of his playoff experience and relatively modest salary demands creates an intriguing opportunity for the right organization.
Evgeny Kuznetsov intends to make an NHL comeback next season. pic.twitter.com/73bjtN2Sfs
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 26, 2025
While it appears a reunion with his former franchise is completely off the table, a return to the league is possible for those Kuznetsov fans out there.
