Evgeny Kuznetsov addresses sudden & unexpected NHL departure - "Perhaps my time has come"

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Aug 01, 2024 05:20 GMT

Former Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes forward Evgeny Kuznetsov surprised the hockey community after deciding to leave the NHL.

He returned to his homeland, Russia, to resume his KHL career with SKA Saint Petersburgh. Kuznetsov joined the KHL team as an unrestricted free agent and signed a lucrative four-year contract recently.

In an exclusive interview with Match TV, Kuznetsov shared insights into his sudden departure from the NHL, describing it as a carefully considered decision made in consultation with his family.

Kuznetsov expressed that the timing felt right for this transition (via The Hockey News):

"It was a well-considered decision," Kuznetsov said. "We made it with the whole family. Perhaps my time has come — everyone has their own time, and you have to leave in time. In this case, it was to leave the NHL. We're all very happy to be in St. Petersburg."

Kuznetsov had a rocky start to the season with the Washington Capitals. He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in February and was cleared to return the next month.

The 32-year-old asked for a trade out of Washington and was subsequently placed on waivers by the Capitals. Ultimately, on trade deadline day, Evgeny Kuznetsov was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes by the Caps in exchange for a third-rounder in the 2025 NHL draft.

Evgeny Kuznetsov on his return to NHL

When asked about his potential return to the NHL, Kuznetsov made it clear about the promising career he envisions with SKA, highlighting the significant opportunities that lie ahead of him with the team in the KHL.

"Definitely not," Kuznetsov said of a potential return to the NHL. "I have a big career ahead of me in SKA."

Kuznetsov concluded the interview by expressing his gratitude to everyone who helped him get to where he is today.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped and who was even against me at some points. All the same, thanks to them," Kuznetsov said, adding, "I'm always smiling. Every day I come to the rink, [I'm happy].... it's always been joy, smiles and positivity."

Evgeny Kuznetsov was drafted No. 26 overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2010 NHL draft. He helped the Caps win the 2018 Stanley Cup, leading the playoffs with 32 points.

He played for 11 seasons with the Capitals before a brief sting of 20 games with the Hurricanes following the trade. Kuznetsov accumulated 575 points (173 goals and 402 assists) in 743 games.