Evgeny Kuznetsov Signs One-Year KHL Contract
After multiple reports were flying the past week or so stating Evgeny Kuznetsov could be signing with the Florida Panthers, it turns out, that's not the case at all. The veteran free-agent has signed a one-year deal to play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.
Evgeny Kuznetsov appears to be staying in Russia after being unable to secure an NHL deal. pic.twitter.com/QhQacC9KBL
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 1, 2025
Kuznetsov's long term goal is to return to the NHL, but no concrete offers were put in front of him throughout the offseason. It's been a very weird summer for Kuznetsov after his agent was positive he'd be playing in the NHL this season based on this statement:
“From now on, I represent the interests of Evgeny Kuznetsov in the National Hockey League,” Babayev stated in a Telegram post. “Today I have already spoken with a number of clubs about Evgeny’s contract in the NHL. I have decided that next year he will play in North America.”Kuznetsov, 33, has played an NHL game since the 2023-24 season when he finished the year with the Carolina Hurricanes. He spent last season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, and scored 37 points in 39 games. His team was put out in the first round of the playoffs.
Kuznetsov joins Mettalurg, who are a middle of the pack team with high expectations this season. It's been a whirlwind career for the Russian forward as he's had a ton of success and then fell off considerably after some off-ice antics got the best of him.
Throughout 743 NHL regular-season games, Kuznetsov scored 173 goals and 402 assists for 575 points
Throughout 743 NHL regular-season games, Kuznetsov scored 173 goals and 402 assists for 575 points
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
