Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin were recently asked about Evgeny Kuznetsov’s return back to Russia while participating in the Ovi Cup gala match. After getting out of the final year of his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, Kuznetsov signed an incentive-laden, four-year contract with the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg.
Ovechkin, who played parts of 11 seasons with Kuznetsov in Washington, told Match TV that he recently saw his former teammate in Russia and extended his well wishes.
“Kuzya and I have a great relationship, everything is fine,” Ovechkin said as translated by Google Translate. “I saw him in Novogorsk and wished him luck. Every person has their own head on their shoulders, everyone makes their own decisions. He made the decision with his family to come and play for SKA. I can only wish him success.”
Novogorsk, which is about a half hour outside of Moscow’s city center, is home to Dynamo’s training center where Ovechkin sometimes trains over the summer. Ovechkin played in a Dynamo alumni game in late May.
Meanwhile, Malkin, who has become close friends with Kuznetsov over the years, admitted he was surprised by Kuznetsov’s move.
“I won’t hide it — very much,” he said to Match TV. “Of course, he’s had a difficult period in the last two years. Of course, we’ve all been following his situation. Honestly, I thought when he traded from Washington to Carolina — it would be some new turn in his career. A breath of fresh air. Especially since he was warmly received by the Hurricanes.
“And everyone saw that Kuznetsov played well in the playoffs, scored four goals. At the same time, he was not given much playing time. But I watched him – Zhenya looked good. He lacked confidence somewhere. But I thought that he would seriously prepare in the summer.
“And I was just shocked that he went to SKA. On the other hand, it’s his choice, his career. I can only wish Kuznetsov luck. Maybe he’ll return to the NHL. However, something went wrong for him. Well, what can you do about it? Let Kuzya be the best in the KHL then.”
Kuznetsov arrived in Saint Petersburg in late July and is already participating in training camp with SKA ahead of the start of the 2024-25 KHL season.
