A former Washington Capitals star is available again - but only one NHL role makes sense

Salavat Yulaev Ufa ended its relationship with the 34-year-old forward after he produced 6 goals and 12 assists in 19 regular-season games.

The raw total matters, but the deployment matters more: Kuznetsov averaged 17:54, including 4:20 on the power play, while winning only 41.8% of his faceoffs.

That profile points to a smarter NHL use. Don't ask him to drive a checking line or carry heavy defensive-zone responsibility.

Use him as a sheltered top-nine playmaker, preferably beside a dependable center, and let his controlled entries feed a second power-play unit.

That is the fresh case for an NHL pickup: Kuznetsov no longer needs to be sold as a franchise center.

He only needs one defined job.

The risk is clear. His final NHL season produced 24 points in 63 games, before Carolina later terminated his contract by mutual agreement.

Yet his last North American playoff run offered a better clue.

Kuznetsov scored 4 goals with 2 assists in 10 games for the Hurricanes.

That burst did not restore his old status, but it showed his hands and timing could still tilt short series when his minutes were managed.

At his Washington peak, Kuznetsov led the 2018 postseason with 32 points in 24 games, driving the Capitals' first Stanley Cup run.

He also reached 83 points in 2017-18 and owns 575 points over 743 games. The star is gone; the passing instincts may remain.

The contract must reflect uncertainty: one year, modest money, no trade protection and no guaranteed top-six spot. A camp tryout would be even safer.

The best NHL buyer has strong defensive centers, a weak second unit and enough depth to scratch him when pace becomes a problem.

Sibir is reportedly negotiating with him, so the NHL window may be brief.

This is opportunity, not proof; role discipline decides his actual value.

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