The ex-Capitals center got a warm welcome back to the District.
WASHINGTON — For Evgeny Kuznetsov, his first game back against the Washington Capitals following his trade to the Carolina Hurricanes was strange, as he figured it would be, but still special.
Kuznetsov said that his return was an emotional one, and he was taken aback by the crowd and standing ovation he received when the team honored him with a video tribute at the first media timeout.
"That's special. Yes, that's special. I think both crowds — one was in Raleigh right away when they cheer for me and this crowd cheer for me — it means the world for any player," Kuznetsov said.
He was also welcomed back on his first shift by Alex Ovechkin with a friendly trip. Kuznetsov didn't say anything to Ovechkin after the play, but got a good laugh out of the run-in.
The 31-year-old spent 11 years in the District, picking up 568 points over 723 games. Though the final handful of years were frustrating for Kuznetsov, who struggled with inconsistency and some off-ice issues that led to two stints in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, he is grateful for his time with the organization.
"I want to say thanks for all the good and bad memories. It was an amazing atmosphere," Kuznetsov said. "I spent a lot of years here, so it was all happy today.
"It's huge. Thanks for everything, it was an amazing 11 years," he added. "It's nice to be back here, play hockey. I wish them all the best. They got a pretty good team, and it's all positive."
Kuznetsov had requested a change of scenery after returning from the Player Assistance Program in February, leading to him going on waivers and being assigned to the AHL's Hershey Bears. He was then traded to the Hurricanes at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
The Russian has fit in well with Carolina, picking up five points in nine games since getting a fresh start, and his ex-teammates are happy to see him doing well.
"Kuz was always great to me. Someone that you know, fun-loving, around the rink, seemed to show up every single day with a smile on his face and had an enjoyable attitude around," Beck Malenstyn said. "He was super welcoming to the young guys when they would come in, so nothing but good things to say about him. Happy to see him doing well.
"I'm happy for him and that he's landed on his feet, and I think that was the objective. You would've loved for it to be the fairytale ending of Kuzy being able to play here for years to come and retire as a Capital. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way," head coach Spencer Carbery added. "For him and not as a hockey player, but as a human being, he needed to get a fresh start and leave this environment. I thank that from having seen him... it's positive."