Kuznetsov's Agent on NHL Talks: 'Two Teams Resolving Budget Issues' - Toronto Among Them?
Photo credit: Vancouver Is Awesome
Recently, Evgeny Kuznetsov's agent shared an update on the Russian center's NHL future, and the Toronto Maple Leafs could wind up being one of the teams in the mix for the former All-Star.
In a recently published Russian interview, Evgeny Kuznetsov's agent, Shumi Babayev, shared a massive update on his client's return to the NHL and how there are only two teams left in the running for Kuznetsov.
"There is no search for a club. There is an expectation of signing. We have decided on the clubs. Two clubs are currently deciding on issues within their ceiling." - Evgeny Kuznetsov's agent Shumi Babayev
Given how the teams are decided on, it seems like a move will happen shortly, and we can expect an announcement to come prior to the season.
Could the Maple Leafs Land Evgeny Kuznetsov for 2025-26?
With the loss of Mitch Marner, the Leafs will need some reinforcements up front. While Kuznetsov is a centerman, he is capable of playing on the wing and could be valuable alongside the Leafs' top players.
To bring in Kuznetsov would likely mean that the Leafs would have to part ways with a player like David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok in order to make space for Kuznetsov, but that is something GM Brad Treliving could work out with a rival franchise.
Inside the Agent's Update on Kuznetsov's NHL Future
With only two teams left in the running, Kuznetsov's decision should be made shortly. However, with both teams in the running reportedly having trouble with the salary cap, we can anticipate those teams to make moves elsewhere before officially signing Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov played in the KHL last season, where he was quite impressive, scoring 12 goals and 37 points in 39 games. At his prime, Kuznetsov was one of the most dominant players in the NHL. During the Capitals' run to the 2018 Stanley Cup, Kuznetsov registered a mind-boggling 32 points in 24 games and was arguably the Capitals' best player.
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SEPTEMBRE 7|572 ANSWERS Kuznetsov's Agent on NHL Talks: 'Two Teams Resolving Budget Issues' - Toronto Among Them? Will Evgeny Kuznetsov land with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 227 | 39.7 % |
| No | 345 | 60.3 % |
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