Report: Free-agent Evgeny Kuznetsov Down to 2 Teams

Sunday, September 28, 2025 ,

Evgeny Kuznetsov could be coming back to the NHL after all.

Reports have surfaced stating the free-agent forward has not signed a KHL deal and is speaking with both the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs about a one-year contract. 

Daria Tuboltseva: Re Evgeni Kuznetsov: "The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are both actively considering the possibility of signing the 33-year-old forward" - RG (9/27)

The Panthers make some sense considering they've lost Aleksandar Barkov for the season due to knee surgery, however, the Maple Leafs make absolutely zero sense as an option, as they have a crowded forward group and are trying to move out David Kampf, Nick Robertson, and Calle Jarnkrok ahead of the start of this season.

Kuznetsov, 33, spent last season with St. Petersburg of the KHL, and posted 12 goals and 37 in 39 games, and another three points in six playoff games. Kuznetsov last played in the NHL during the 2023-24 season when he split time between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes, and recorded eight goals and 24 points in 63 games. 

The Panthers have to be cap compliant before day one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the league changed that rule heading into this season to eliminate teams playing with a roster during the playoffs that was over the salary cap. So, regardless of what they do, they'll have to make room for Barkov's big return for the postseason.

As for the Leafs, keep an eye on their trade talks as they'll be making several moves before their roster has to be submitted to the league.

Photo credit:  James Guillory-Imagn Images

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