Evgeny Kuznetsov Makes Big Decision After 2 Years Out Of NHL

Former first-round pick and Stanley Cup Playoffs scoring leader Evegeny Kuznetsov hasn't played in the NHL for the last two seasons, but there was some thought this summer that he was ready to return to North America at age 34. That will not, in fact, be the case, as he has now signed a free agent deal once again to stay in the KHL for the coming season.

🚨 CONFIRMED: Evgeny Kuznetsov to Sibir on a 1-year deal.

GM Lev Krutokhvostov: "For us, Evgeny is an experienced master. He'll bring creativity, power-play skill, and goal-scoring ability. Our young forwards will learn from a true pro."

What does this mean for Sibir? 🧵👇 #KHL https://t.co/vPh6DeEiiD pic.twitter.com/7959lu0X7s

— Egor / Hockey Law (@egorhockeylaw) August 8, 2026

The 6'2" center has signed with Sibir on a one-year deal. According to a report, his base salary with Sibir will be 35 million rubles (about $427,000 USD), but he'll have another 42 million rubles available in performance bonuses, which, if all are met, could bring his total salary to about $940,000 USD.

"For us, Evgeny is an experienced master. He'll bring creativity, power-play skill, and goal-scoring ability. Our young forwards will learn from a true pro," said team GM Lev Krutokhvostov.

After being a first-round selection of the Washington Capitals in the 2010 NHL Draft (26th overall), Kuznetsov began his pro career at the age of 19 in Russia, playing 3 1/2 seasons for Chelyabinsk Traktor, putting up solid numbers. 

Kuznetsov had solid NHL career, particularly as a playoff performer

He finally arrived in Washington in March of the 2013-14 season. He became an All-Star in the NHL two years later, with 20 goals and 77 points along with a plus/minus rating of +27. Two years later, however, was his peak, as he posted career highs with 27 goals and 83 points, then going on to lead the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 20 assists and 32 points in 24 games, and led the Caps to the championship. 

His production started to wane after the 2021-22 season, and he was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2023-24 campaign, where he finished that year with career lows of just eight goals and 24 points in 63 games split between the Caps & Canes. He came alive somewhat in the playoffs, with four goals and 6 points in 10 games.

That summer, however, as an unrestricted free agent, there wasn't much demand in the NHL for his services, and he returned to his homeland, where he had a decent season for SKA St. Petersburg. Last year went a bit off the rails, as he bounced between Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Salvat Yulaev. He'll now join his 4th KHL team in the past two years. 

In 743 NHL games over 11 years, Kuznetsov totalled 173 goals and 575 points with a +38 rating. He was always a strong producer in the playoffs, adding 33 goals and 73 points in 97 games.