MYTISHI (Moscow region), August 11, Andrey Senchenko. Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin admitted that he regrets the trade of forward Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes, and was not surprised by his decision to return to Russia.
Washington traded Kuznetsov to Carolina in March for a third-round pick in the 2025 draft. The Capitals also withheld half of the Russian's salary. Kuznetsov's contract was valid until the end of the 2024/25 season, but in the summer the forward decided to terminate his agreement with the Hurricanes and continue his career in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), becoming a player for St. Petersburg's SKA.
«It was hard to see how Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha were traded. We became closer. It's always a tough situation when players are traded. On the other hand, we got to the playoffs when no one believed in us. We fought until the end. It's always tough when your friends go to another team. Zhenya and I became closer as families. Yes, we talked after he was traded. We were and remain close friends. Am I surprised by his decision to return to Russia? What's surprising? Each person has their own head on their shoulders. They made the decision together with their family to come home and play here in Russia. I wish Zhenya good luck and all the best. No injuries and for him to please the fans with great hockey,» Ovechkin said.
Kuznetsov's contract with SKA St. Petersburg is for four years.