Report: Ex-Capitals Star Kuznetsov To Leave NHL & Return To KHL With SKA

The Capitals traded the 32-year-old at his request at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.

UPDATE: Russian sports agent Shumi Babayev offered more clarity on the situation and shared more insight on the former Washington Capitals center, and though he refuted reports of Evgeny Kuznetsov leaving, he didn't rule them out, either.

Here's the latest on Kuznetsov and how his departure, if true, would impact D.C.

Former Washington Capitals star center Evgeny Kuznetsov is reportedly leaving the NHL behind him and returning to the KHL.

Per championat.com, Kuznetsov plans to work out a deal to end the final year of his NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes — he originally signed that deal with the Capitals — and then sign a four-year contract to join SKA.

Kuznetsov's NHL career had taken a turn for the worse in recent years amid inconsistency, off-ice issues and apparent tension with management.

After being unable to put up the production that helped him be an All-Star and win a Stanley Cup in years past, Kuznetsov had a rough start to the 2023-24 season with the Capitals and ultimately entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after the 2024 NHL All-Star Break. He also requested a trade.

After his time in the program, Kuznetsov was waived and assigned to the AHL's Hershey Bears while the team worked out a deal. D.C. ultimately sent him to the Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick while retaining half of his salary.

In 63 games split between Washington and Carolina this past season, he had eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points, and he also put up four goals and two assists in 10 playoff games for the Hurricanes.

Kuznetsov spent 11 years in the NHL, picking up 575 points in 743 total games. He won the Stanley Cup in 2018 and had four 70-plus point seasons. Before joining the Capitals, he played in the KHL for his hometown club, Traktor Chelyabinsk.