Free Agent Wants To Sign With Canadiens, But Montreal Doesn't Want Him

Evgeny Kuznetsov, Carolina Hurricanes
The Montreal Canadiens appear to like their lineup, think it's good enough for now, or are looking to add a different piece because according to Evgeny Kuznetsov's agent, he wants to play in Montreal, but the team isn't interested at this time.

The Canadiens have been in rumors surrounding Jordan Kyrou, so this might be part of it. Adding Kuznetsov, who put up 12 goals and 37 points in 39 games for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL last season, is by far the worst decision the Canadiens could make, especially if it is a one-year deal at a fairly low AAV.

Kuznetsov is a UFA and looking to return to the NHL after one year in Russia. He spent the 2023-24 season between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes where he scored eight goals and 24 points in 63 games. His scoring did fall off in his 11th NHL season, but at his best, he was a very productive top-6 player. His offense still seems to be there after the production he had in the KHL in 2024-25.

The Canadiens will be playing Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Jake Evans down the middle next season, but what happens when Dach gets injured again? Kuznetsov or any other capable center might not be available at that time. Montreal isn't a lock for the playoffs as other teams have gotten better and are pushing to get into the postseason as well. Montreal didn't get in by that much, and while some of the players are expected to have better seasons, there are other wildcards and veterans who could regress.

Kuznetsov should end up getting a contract in the NHL, even if not by the Canadiens. Some team will give him a shot on a one-year deal and he will try to prove that as a 33-year-old, he hasn't fallen off to the point where he can't succeed in the NHL anymore.

Photo credit: © James Guillory-Imagn Images