Kuznetsov Likely to Return to NHL, Agent Says; Kings Draft Details & Josefson Attempts Comeback
Washington, D.C. - Evgeny Kuznetsov, the veteran center, is highly likely to sign with an NHL team for the upcoming season, according to his agent, Shumi Babayev. Speaking to SovSport’s Vladimir Okishev,Babayev stated there’s a “90% chance” his client will return to North American hockey. This comes after Kuznetsov’s contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL was terminated earlier this year, despite signing a four-year deal with the Russian club last summer.
Kuznetsov, 33, was a consistent top-line offensive force for the Washington Capitals for many years, achieving a career-high 83 points in the 2017-18 season en route to a Stanley Cup championship. However, his 2023-24 NHL campaign was less productive, with 24 points in 63 games split between the Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes. Despite the dip in production, the current free agent market, especially thin at the center position, could see teams willing to take a chance on the skilled playmaker with a relatively inexpensive contract. Kuznetsov was originally drafted 26th overall by the Capitals in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
In other hockey news:
Los Angeles Kings Draft Strategy Revealed: Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider detailed the team’s approach during the recent NHL Draft. The Kings initially explored trading up from their 24th overall pick, but ultimately executed a planned trade down to 31st. They then considered trading back up when only two of their targeted players remained available, but were ultimately able to select defenseman Henry Brzustewicz at their final draft position. The article also covers the subsequent trade of defenseman Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators. Brzustewicz, a right-handed shooting defenseman, played for the Flint Firebirds of the OHL last season, recording 69 points in 68 games. Spence, 23, had 8 points in 65 games for the Kings last season.
Josefson Pursues NHL Return: Former New Jersey Devils first-round pick Jacob Josefson, 34, is attempting a comeback after being forced to retire in 2021 due to concussion issues. josefson, selected 20th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, recently participated in a preseason game with Djurgarden of the Swedish hockey League (SHL), as reported by expressen (video link available here: https://www.expressen.se/tv/sport/hockey/shl/jacob-josefson-om-comebacken-i-djurgarden/). He played seven seasons with the Devils,and three seasons with Djurgarden prior to his retirement.