Kuznetsov Reportedly Wants to Join Canadiens, But Team Not Interested in Demidov Reunion

We're obviously talking about the matter of the much-discussed second-line center.

Well, on that topic, Shumi Babaev has just revealed a very interesting piece of information for Montreal Canadiens fans.

Who is Shumi Babaev? He is the agent of former Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Clearly, Kuznetsov really enjoyed playing with Demidov in the KHL last season, and he would like to try the experience again in the NHL next season!

There's only one problem..

Even though Kuznetsov is offering himself to play for the Montreal Canadiens, it seems they are not interested.

Unfortunately, the interest is not mutual.

Kuznetsov, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 198 pounds, averaged 65 points per season in his last three campaigns with the Washington Capitals (from 2021 to 2024).

The Capitals' 1st-round pick in 2010 (26th overall) also tallied 37 points in 39 games last season in the KHL, where he indeed played alongside one Ivan Demidov.

I'm surprised to see that the Canadiens are not interested in offering him a short one-year contract, especially considering the team's significant need at center. But I imagine Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton feel that Kirby Dach remains a better option than Kuznetsov at this stage of his career.

Could a return to the Washington Capitals be an option for the 33-year-old forward?