The Toronto Maple Leafs have limited options left in the free-agent market but might have an unexpected chance to enhance their forward depth. Jesse Courville-Lynch of The Hockey Writers suggested that the Leafs should consider signing Evgeny Kuznetsov, who recently had his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes terminated.
Courville-Lynch noted that while there was speculation Kuznetsov might join the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), recent reports suggest he could return to the NHL this season. Adding Kuznetsov could allow the Maple Leafs to experiment with their lineup without significantly impacting their salary cap, as he might seek a short-term deal, potentially around $1 million.
The Leafs, known for consistently making the playoffs but falling short of the Stanley Cup Final, could benefit from Kuznetsov’s addition. Courville-Lynch argues that signing Kuznetsov on a modest contract could be a strategic move for the upcoming season.
Kuznetsov faced a challenging 2023-24 season, including time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and a trade request from the Washington Capitals. He was subsequently traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and had his contract terminated in July 2024. Although there was initial speculation about him joining the KHL, his agent, Shumi Babayev, indicated that Kuznetsov had not yet signed with SKA Saint Petersburg, and his future remained uncertain.
Babayeve mentioned that 15 NHL teams have shown interest in Kuznetsov, who has not made a final decision yet. Kuznetsov, 32, has 11 NHL seasons and 575 points in 743 games. He could still play a significant role in the NHL, given his impressive career and recent performance.