Evgeny Kuznetsov reveals exactly why he left the NHL to sign in the KHL
Photo credit: RMNB
Former Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes forward Evgeny Kuznetsov finally breaks silence on exactly why he left for the KHL.
Kuznetsov has left the NHL and signed a four-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.
After his NHL contract was terminated last week, Kuznetsov explained in an interview with Russian media outlet Match.ru that it was the right time to return to Russia and play in the KHL.
Kuznetsov last played in the KHL in early 2014 with Traktor Chelyabinsk before joining the Capitals in March 2014.
Reflecting on his decision, Kuznetsov said, "It was a well-considered decision," Kuznetsov said. "We made it with the whole family. Perhaps my time has come — everyone has their own time, and you have to leave in time. In this case, it was to leave the NHL. We're all very happy to be in St. Petersburg."
Though Kuznetsov received an offer from his hometown team in Chelyabinsk, he chose SKA St. Petersburg, citing the strong organization and better opportunities.
He explained, "Very big opportunities in SKA, very strong organization," he said, adding, "Things worked out so well that I'm not ready to go to Chelyabinsk yet... the city itself, it would be very hard for me there, and I need time to readjust a little bit. If I were to leave Washington and Raleigh and go straight to Chelaybinsk, I wouldn't have a quiet life. I probably wouldn't be able to go outside at all."
Kuznetsov, 32, played 743 games over 11 NHL seasons, scoring 575 points (173 goals, 402 assists), with 394 penalty minutes and a plus-38 rating. He also contributed 73 points in 97 playoff games, helping the Capitals win their first Stanley Cup in 2018.
Credit: bladeofsteel
Evgeny Kuznetsov explains why he left the NHL and signed in the KHL
Evgeny Kuznetsov explains why he left the NHL and signed in the KHL
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