Most NHL free agents have found new homes by mid-July, but one notable name remains on the market. Evgeny Kuznetsov, the veteran center who helped the Washington Capitals capture its only Stanley Cup, is still searching for his next destination.
Fans expected the former Capitals star to return to his old team, especially with their need for offensive help. However, his agent’s recent comments suggest that a reunion might not happen.
Why Won’t Evgeny Kuznetsov Return to Washington?
Since leaving the Carolina Hurricanes at the end of the 2024-25 season, Kuznetsov has been without a contract. The center completed a one-year deal with Carolina and became an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Many hockey fans assumed Kuznetsov would rejoin his former team and longtime teammate, Alex Ovechkin. The duo played together for a decade in Washington. But agent Shumi Babayev quickly shot down those expectations, disappointing Capitals fans who were hoping for a reunion.
Speaking to La Page Sportive, Babayev said, “I don’t think so. He could go to Carolina before returning to Washington. I don’t see how he could go back there.”
Kuznetsov’s history with Washington makes this situation particularly interesting. He led the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup title under Ovechkin’s leadership in the 2017-18 season. The center even topped the league in playoff points with 32 points in 24 games during that championship run. With 575 points across 743 career games, he represents exactly the type of offensive talent Washington needs.
However, the Capitals weren’t the only team whose rumors Babayev addressed on Friday.
What About Montreal’s Interest in Kuznetsov?
Multiple reports had also linked Kuznetsov to the Montreal Canadiens, a team desperately searching for a second-line center. But Babayev made it clear that no serious discussions have taken place.
The agent revealed that Montreal told him Kuznetsov isn’t in their plans, despite their obvious need for top-six forward help.
“Evgeny would be a good fit,” Babayev said. “He wants to play in Montreal, but there’s no room. I don’t think he’ll get the chance.”
Babayev provided more details about his conversation with Montreal’s front office.
“I spoke with Montreal. [The leaders] respect Evgeny. They explained their situation to me, and it’s normal,” he said. This revelation comes as a surprise since rumors had connected the Canadiens to Kuznetsov for weeks.
The situation becomes more complex when considering Kuznetsov’s recent experience overseas. After not getting enough playing time at SKA St. Petersburg, Babayev mentioned that his client was excited to return to the NHL. Despite the current uncertainty, the agent remains optimistic about finding a solution soon for the two-time NHL All-Star.
