PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
July 19, 2025Â Â (9:54 PM)
Photo credit: RMNB
Evgeny Kuznetsov appears on the verge of a return to the NHL, and now long-time teammate Alex Ovechkin has some interesting comments on a return to Washington.
For over a decade, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov played together with the Washington Capitals, playing integral roles in the teams one and only Stanley Cup run back in 2018.
However, Kuznetsov was traded by the team in 2023/24 and spent last season in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburgh, but now, the 33-year old veteran is eyeing a return to the NHL in free agency this summer.
Obviously, the question was brought up to long-time teammate Ovechkin about whether Kuznetsov could return to the team, and he appeared to distance himself from the situation in his comments.
This is not a question for me, but for his agent. He has his own head on his shoulders. God willing, he signs a contract with a club and shows his level either in the NHL or the KHL.
I’m not a manager. This is business, this is the NHL. Everyone understands that there might be some trades. But we’ll see. Washington’s scouts and general manager are some of the best. They evaluate whether a player is right for us.
While there never appeared to be a serious fracture in this relationship, this is an interesting comment for Ovechkin to make, as he doesn’t seem to deny that Kuznetsov would be a good add, but rather noted that he’d leave it up to Kuznetsov, his agent and the front office to potentially work it out.
Ultimately, it just seems as though Ovi’s focus is on next season, one that could be his final in the NHL and doesn’t want to entertain hypotheticals, but given his talent and the Capitals needs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a reunion this off-season.
Previously on HouseOfHockey
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Alex Ovechkin Makes Surprising Comments When Asked About Possible Reunion With Evgeny Kuznetzov
Should the Capitals pursue a reunion with Evgeny Kuznetsov?