Evgeny Kuznetsov discloses medical struggles which eventually led to his exit from Capitals

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 05, 2024 07:25 GMT

Evgeny Kuznetsov, formerly of the Washington Capitals, recently shared his health struggles from his last NHL season. In an interview with Alexey Shevchenko of Sport-Express, Kuznetsov talked about dealing with severe rheumatoid arthritis. This condition, which affects the joints, made it hard for him to play well.

"I had rheumatoid arthritis," Kuznetsov said. "I was taking pills and shots all year. Then I stopped taking them, it felt good, nothing hurt. I haven’t taken anything for three months and I feel great, I run, I work out in the gym.”

He elaborated on his condition, saying:

"I couldn't sleep for a year; I could only get two hours a night. I'm not one to complain, but I had to, and no one really believed me. [General manager] Brian MacLellan didn't even know that I had been suffering all year."

During the 2023-24 season, Kuznetsov had to join the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program due to his health problems. He scored only 17 points in 43 games before seeking help.

Kuznetsov had faced challenges before. In 2019, he entered the Player Assistance Program for testing positive for cocaine. This time, his issues were due to a chronic health condition.

Now, Kuznetsov is playing for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. He has been off medication for three months and feels better. Kuznetsov wants to show that his hockey skills are still strong. He knows some people doubt him because of his past issues, but he aims to prove them wrong and regain his top form.

Evgeny Kuznetsov signed with KHL team SKA St. Petersburg

Evgeny Kuznetsov signed a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. His annual average salary will be $950,000, with potential bonuses. Kuznetsov will join teammates Nikita Zaitsev and Mikhail Grigorenko.

Carolina Hurricanes placed Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers on July 17 to terminate his contract. He had one year left, worth $6 million for the 2024-25 season. Kuznetsov wanted to return to Russia, and the Hurricanes were okay with letting him go. They wanted to remove his $7.8 million cap hit due to his declining performance.

Last season, Kuznetsov scored 24 points in 67 regular-season games with the Capitals and the Hurricanes. He added seven points in 20 playoff games for Carolina. The Hurricanes traded for Kuznetsov at this year's deadline. He started his NHL career with the Capitals in 2013-14.

If this is the end of his NHL career, Evgeny Kuznetsov finishes with 575 points in 743 regular-season games. He also has 73 points in 97 playoff games. He played a key role in the Capitals' 2017-18 Stanley Cup win, leading the playoffs with 32 points in 24 games.