Canadiens Reportedly Changed Their Mind on Evgeny Kuznetsov After Major Roster Move
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The excellent Marco D'Amico has made a new announcement regarding the rumors linking forward Evgeny Kuznetsov to Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.
Let's recall that Kuznetsov openly declared he wanted to play for the Habs, having been on the same line as a certain Ivan Demidov last season.
Let's also not forget that the Habs need a center - which Kuznetsov is.
It was quite surprising, then, to see that the Canadiens showed absolutely no interest in a center who recorded 37 points in 39 KHL games last season, and 55 points in 81 NHL games in 2023.
Today, everything is becoming clear.
Marco D'Amico reveals that the Montreal Canadiens were interested in signing Evgeny Kuznetsov, but later changed their mind
On July 1st (and prior to that date), Kent Hughes was indeed interested in Kuznetsov.
The acquisition of forward Zachary Bolduc seems to have changed the situation in this case.
"Would Evgeny Kuznetsov have been the second-line center if he had signed?
We know he's interested in playing in Montreal, and we now know (via Marco D'Amico on The Shaun Starr Show) that the team was also interested before July 1st.
Now, especially since acquiring Zachary Bolduc, bringing him to town would be more difficult." - DLC
We know he's interested in playing in Montreal, and we now know (via Marco D'Amico on The Shaun Starr Show) that the team was also interested before July 1st.
Now, especially since acquiring Zachary Bolduc, bringing him to town would be more difficult." - DLC
They also discuss the acquisition of Joe Veleno, which seems to be the final nail in the coffin for rumors linking Kuznetsov to Montreal.
Personally, I believe a name like Nazem Kadri, who is available with the Calgary Flames, is much more appealing than Kuznetsov.. But if the latter is willing to come try out at the next Canadiens training camp, why not?
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 1695 ANSWERS Canadiens Reportedly Changed Their Mind on Evgeny Kuznetsov After Major Roster Move And you, would you offer a one-year, one-million-dollar contract to Evgeny Kuznetsov? | ||
| Absolutely | 1097 | 64.7 % |
| No | 598 | 35.3 % |
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