The Toronto Maple Leafs still need another top-six forward, and they could look to Russia to bring back a two-time NHL All-Star forward.
Reports have come out that Evgeny Kuznetsov is looking to make a return to the NHL, and Toronto should look to sign him in a low-risk move.
Given that Kuznetsov is looking to come back and prove he’s still an NHLer, he likely will sign for a cheap one-year deal, which is exactly what the Maple Leafs can give him. Toronto can also provide him a chance to be a top-six winger and even possibly get some power-play time after Mitch Marner’s departure.
Kuznetsov was a key member of the Washington Capitals team that won the Stanley Cup in 2018. However, his effort has been criticized, but if any coach can get him motivated to play hard, it would be Craig Berube.
As well, given this would likely be Kuznetsov’s final shot at being an NHL player, the Russian would likely go all out in proving he’s still a dynamic NHL player. He would likely slot as Toronto’s second-line left winger, and can also play center if needed.
The Maple Leafs need to upgrade the left wing, as Bobby McMann was the team’s second-line left winger last season. So, Kuznetsov is worth a one-year deal to see if he is an upgrade over what they have.
Kuznetsov has skated in 743 career games, recording 173 goals and 402 assists for 575 points. His career-high is 27 goals and 83 points, which he accomplished in 2017-18.
Kuznetsov Looking to Make Return to NHL
Kuznetsov spent last season in the KHL back in Russia, but is already looking to make a return to the NHL.
Shumi Babaev, the agent of Kuznetsov, told RG Media that the skilled forward is looking at making a return to the NHL.
“I worked with Evgeny in Russia. In the U.S., he had a different agent, but now I represent his interests in the NHL,” Babaev explained to RG. “He asked for my opinion, and I’ve always said that the NHL is where he belongs. Last year, he was mentally and physically exhausted and wanted to come back to Russia. But even at 60–70% of his usual level, he was still one of the top players in the KHL.”
Babaev says he has already spoken to NHL teams about a contract, as Kunznetsov is eager to prove he still can be an effective NHL player.
“In my view, there are about ten teams where Kuznetsov could be a real asset—where there’s both room on the roster and cap space. I think we could have clarity within a couple of weeks,” Babaev added.
Kuznetsov was an All-Star in 2016 and 2022.
Maple Leafs Looking to Add a Top-6 Forward
Given that free agency didn’t have many top-line players, and the Maple Leafs don’t have many trade assets, taking a flier on Kuznetsov makes sense.
After the opening day of free agency, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving made it clear that adding a top-six forward is key.
“Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole,” Treliving said. “That’s really where our focus is.”
Kuznetsov has all the tools to be a top-six forward and could be a low-cost signing.
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