Evgeny Kuznetsov is a free agent within the Toronto Maple Leafs’ reach.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have limited options in the free-agent market, but they might have an unexpected opportunity to add depth to their forward corps. Jesse Courville-Lynch of The Hockey Writers suggested on July 24 that the Maple Leafs should sign Evgeny Kuznetsov, who recently became a free agent after his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes was terminated.

“There was a belief he could opt to join the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia, but a recent report states that he could end up back in the NHL this upcoming season,” Courville-Lynch wrote. “Bringing in Kuznetsov allows the Maple Leafs to experiment with their lineup a bit too.

“The other benefit to bringing in Kuznetsov is that it likely wouldn’t break the bank and affect their salary cap in a big way. He would likely ask for a short-term deal, probably for one season, worth around $1 million. If that’s what he’s asking for, the Maple Leafs should be chomping at the bit to try and sign him.

“The Maple Leafs should be trying to get something done sooner rather than later.”

The Maple Leafs are a consistent playoff team but need the final pieces to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Courville-Lynch believes adding Kuznetsov on a cheap deal could be a strategic move worth considering ahead of the 2024-25 season.

 Evgeni Kuznetsov’s Contract Termination

The 2023-24 season was challenging for Kuznetsov. After joining the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program post-NHL All-Star Break, he requested and was granted a trade from the Capitals. The Washington Capitals traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes before the 2024 trade deadline. After the season, he agreed to terminate his contract on July 16, first reported by Russian outlet Championat.

That initial report suggested Kuznetsov intended to return to Russia by joining the KHL’s SKA Saint Petersburg. However, his agent, Shumi Babayev, stated on July 15 that Kuznetsov had not signed any contract with SKA.

“Everything is possible, but it is too early to talk about the return of Evgeny Kuznetsov to Russia. It’s not even clear why this information came out because he has another year left on his contract with Carolina. But there was interest from SKA,” Babayev said. “I would be glad if Evgeny comes back, he will strengthen the KHL and he will be a star in the league, but it’s too early to say that he will return to SKA or some other team. We are friends and communicate all the time. He is hungry for hockey and wants to enjoy the game.”

Kuznetsov has played 251 games in the KHL, scoring 78 goals and assisting 89 for 167 total points. He played 63 games in 2024, scoring 8 goals and assisting 16 for 24 points, adding 4 goals and 2 assists in 10 postseason games.

  Kuznetsov Leaves Door Open for NHL Return

Kuznetsov could reconsider returning to the NHL next season instead of moving to Russia, according to his agent. Babayev told Russian outlet RB Sport on July 23 that as many as 15 NHL teams have shown interest in signing Kuznetsov.

“There is still interest in Evgeny Kuznetsov from 15 NHL clubs,” Babayev said. “He has not made a final decision yet. Most likely, he is moving towards playing in the KHL. The man wants to play hockey and have fun, be useful and win. There are many factors here.

“He just wants to play hockey and to be trusted. He still has many years left in him. Kuznetsov is in good physical shape and has not even said his penultimate word in hockey. It is strange to say that he chose to play Russian hockey and not North American. Many teams overseas are now playing Soviet hockey—look at the speed, the passes. It’s just that if there was interest in the clubs that are counting on him and where he can show his best qualities, he would consider them the same way.”

Judging by those comments, the Maple Leafs or any other NHL team could still convince Kuznetsov to stay in the NHL. They’d gain a player with a loaded resume, poised to help in any possible way during the final years of his career.

At 32 years old, Kuznetsov has 11 NHL seasons under his belt with 575 points in 743 games. He was a standout during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory, scoring 32 points in the playoffs.