The Washington Capitals could see Evgeny Kuznetsov make a return to the NHL next season, but don't expect him to reunite with his former club. Kuznetsov's agent, Shumi Babayev, spoke with Sport24 [https://sport24.ru/hockey/news-750268-agent-kuznetsova-protsess-poiska-novogo-kluba-idet-normalno-razgovarivayem-s-silneyshimi-komandami-kkhl] to share an update on the 34-year-old center's search for a new team after he and SKA St. Petersburg agreed to mutually terminate his contract. Per Babayev, Kuznetsov is currently exploring all options, and he is confident he will continue to garner impressive attention. "The process of finding a new club for Kuznetsov is going well. We are working on it. I can't say yet that we are in advanced negotiations with anyone," Babayev said, per a DeepL translation. "We are talking to the strongest teams in the KHL. Evgeny is a top player, elite. I'm sure he's the best hockey player in the KHL right now." Kuznetsov is not in any talks with North American teams at this time, per Babayev, but a return to the NHL hasn't been ruled out. If the offer from the NHL is the most preferable, Evgeny will return there," Babayev said. The 33-year-old, whose Capitals tenure came to an end last season when he was waived and traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, chose to leave the NHL last season and sign in Russia. He appeared in 39 games for SKA St. Petersburg, picking up 12 goals and 25 assists, before putting up three points in six playoff games. While Kuznetsov performed well, he struggled with injuries, and ultimately, he and the team decided not to continue with the four-year deal he initially signed. Looking at what's next, Kuznetsov could very well be back in the NHL, though a reunion with the Capitals, who will explore options at third-line center this offseason, isn't likely. There's no denying Kuznetsov's talent and impact over the years; over 11 seasons in D.C., he put up 171 goals and 397 assists for 568 points. However, over the last few years, he struggled with inconsistency, and he and the team didn't exactly part on positive terms. While a year is plenty of time for change, it doesn't seem likely that he would reunite with the Capitals, and the team may be hesitant to take another chance on him after struggles on and off the ice. Not only that, Washington's goal is to get younger, and therefore, the team is more likely to fill that role with internal prospects or other young players on the market. Free agency opens on July 1.
