Maple Leafs Urged to Sign Unexpected Cup-Champion Free Agent
The Toronto Maple Leafs are running out of options in the free-agent market. However, they might have a chance to enhance their offense with an unexpected signing opportunity.
On July 24, Jesse Courville-Lynch of The Hockey Writers suggested that the Maple Leafs should consider signing newly available free agent Evgeny Kuznetsov, following the termination of his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
“There was speculation that he might join the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia, but recent reports indicate he could return to the NHL this season,” Courville-Lynch wrote. “Signing Kuznetsov would allow the Maple Leafs to experiment with their lineup.
“Additionally, bringing in Kuznetsov would likely be affordable, not significantly impacting their salary cap. He would probably request a short-term deal, likely for one season, worth around $1 million. If that’s his asking price, the Maple Leafs should be eager to sign him.
“The Maple Leafs should act quickly to secure this opportunity.”
The Maple Leafs are consistently playoff contenders but have struggled to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Courville-Lynch believes that adding Kuznetsov on a budget-friendly deal could be a strategic move for the 2024-25 season.
Evgeni Kuznetsov’s Contract Termination
The 2023-24 season was tough for Kuznetsov. He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after the All-Star Break and then requested a trade from the Capitals, which was soon granted.
The Capitals traded Kuznetsov to the Hurricanes before the 2024 trade deadline. Following the season, he agreed to terminate his contract on July 16, as reported by the Russian outlet Championat.
The initial report indicated Kuznetsov planned to return to Russia by joining the KHL. According to Championat, he had signed a four-year deal with SKA Saint Petersburg. However, Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babayev, clarified on July 15 that no contract had been signed with SKA at that time.
“Everything is possible, but it is too early to talk about Evgeny Kuznetsov returning to Russia. It’s unclear why this information came out since he still had a year left on his contract with Carolina. But there was interest from SKA,” Babayev said. “I would be glad if Evgeny comes back, as he would strengthen the KHL and be a star, but it’s too early to say he will return to SKA or another team. We are in constant communication, and he is eager to play hockey and enjoy the game.”
Kuznetsov has played 251 games in the KHL, scoring 78 goals and assisting 89 for 167 points. In 2024, he played 63 games, scoring 8 goals and assisting 16 for 24 points, plus 4 goals and 2 assists in 10 postseason games.
#### Kuznetsov Leaves Door Open for NHL Return
In a surprising twist, Kuznetsov may reconsider returning to the NHL next season instead of moving to Russia, according to his agent.
In a July 23 interview with Russian outlet RB Sport, Babayev said up to 15 NHL teams are interested in signing Kuznetsov following the termination of his contract.
“There is still interest in Evgeny Kuznetsov from 15 NHL clubs,” Babayev said. “He hasn’t made a final decision yet, but he’s leaning towards the KHL. He wants to play hockey, enjoy it, and win. Many factors are at play.
“He just wants to play hockey and be trusted. He still has many years left in him. Kuznetsov is in good physical shape and hasn’t finished his career. It’s strange to say he chose Russian hockey over North American. Many overseas teams play Soviet-style hockey—fast and skillful. If there were teams counting on him where he could show his best qualities, he would consider them.”
Based on these comments, the Maple Leafs or another NHL team could still persuade him to stay in the NHL. They would gain a player with a strong resume, ready to contribute in the final years of his career.
Kuznetsov, 32, has 11 NHL seasons under his belt, amassing 575 points in 743 games. He nearly won the Conn Smythe trophy during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory, scoring 32 points in those playoffs.
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