Kuznetsov’s departure marks completion of an 11-year NHL journey, throughout which he played 743 video games, scored 173 objectives, and built up 575 points. His postseason contributions were significant also, with 33 objectives and 73 points in 97 championship game. He was a crucial figure in the Washington Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup triumph, leading the group in scoring throughout the champion run.

Kuznetsov invested the latter part of the 2023-24 season with the Carolina Hurricanes after being traded from the Capitals. In his short stint with the Hurricanes, he played 30 video games throughout the routine season and playoffs. His production had actually decreased, and he ended up the routine season with 24 points in 67 video games divided in between the Capitals and Hurricanes. In the playoffs, he included 7 points in 20 video games for Carolina.

With one year staying on his NHL agreement, which would have paid him $6 million in 2024-25, Kuznetsov revealed a desire to go back to Russia. The Hurricanes were content to carry on from his $7.8 million cap hit, offered his lower output. Both sides ended his offer and he left the cash and the league.

How Much Money is Kuznetsov Leaving on the Table By Joining the KHL?

This transfer to the KHL enables Kuznetsov to continue his expert profession in his home nation while supplying SKA St. Petersburg with a skilled center. It’s unclear what the bonus offers are, however they need to be remarkable as one would have pictured he might have signed with another NHL club for the exact same minimum wage, if not more.

As Kuznetsov shifts to the KHL, fans will remember his impactful NHL profession, that included his historical Stanley Cup win in Washington, and some individual battles towards completion.

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