Former Teammate of Ivan Demidov Linked to Canadiens as Potential Free Agent Pickup
This is intriguing for Canadiens fans for several reasons.
Serious Rumor: Evgeny Kuznetsov Eyeing a Return to the NHL
And if you're wondering which NHL team could realistically give the former Carolina Hurricanes and
Washington Capitals forward a chance, one makes a lot of sense:
- A team trying to integrate Ivan Demidov, who has grown close to Kuznetsov over the past few months with SKA and developed great on-ice chemistry with him.
- A team looking for a center.
- A team seeking a short-term solution while waiting on prospects like
Michael Hage.
Yes, the Montreal Canadiens would be a perfectly logical destination for Kuznetsov if he wants to return to the NHL.
He loved playing with Ivan Demidov, and there's clearly a spot open at center next to Demidov right now.
"Forward Evgeny Kuznetsov would be open to returning to the National Hockey League."
- Statement made directly by Kuznetsov's agent
They're even referring to him as possibly the best player currently in the KHL.
"Kuznetsov wore the SKA Saint Petersburg jersey last season, where he notably played alongside Ivan Demidov."
Definitely a situation to keep an eye on.
This season in the KHL, he recorded 37 points in 39 games.
In the 2023-24 NHL season, he tallied 7 points in 20 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, and 17 points in 43 games with the Washington Capitals.
He also posted 55 points in 81 games in 2022-23 and 78 points in 79 games in 2021-22.
In his NHL playoff career, Kuznetsov has 73 points in 97 games, including 33 goals.
Previously on HabsFanatics
| POLL |
MAI 25 | 3679 ANSWERS Former Teammate of Ivan Demidov Linked to Canadiens as Potential Free Agent Pickup Would you sign Evgeny Kuznetsov in Montreal for one season at $4.5 million dollars? |
| Yes | 2142 | 58.2 % |
| No | 1537 | 41.8 % |
| List of polls |