vgeny Kuznetsov #92 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates a goal against Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Evgeny Kuznetsov had many memorable moments in the NHL, where he played 743 games and won the Stanley Cup in 2018 with the Washington Capitals, becoming the playoffs' leading scorer. Kuznetsov spent 11 seasons with the Capitals, but his most vivid memory of his American career is associated with another club.
"I had an incredible career in Washington. We had a lot of great moments, but the only time I almost cried was in Carolina," Kuznetsov told RG exclusively. "It happened when I scored my first goal in Raleigh [March 14, 2024, against Florida]. I can still see the fans cheering and applauding me. At that moment, I was closer than ever to crying from happiness. Something incredible was happening inside."
“I almost took off my mask," he smiled.
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The Hurricanes terminated Kuznetsov's contract on July 18, one day after he was placed on unconditional waivers. The 32-year-old forward had one season left on an eight-year, $62.4 million contract.
Kuznetsov said there was no turning back for him and that he would never return to the NHL. Does he feel like he has fully realized his potential?
"It's hard to answer," he said. "You always want more. I still understand that I could have done more. There's still something left to say, but I'm happy to return home."
Kuznetsov said that he "will miss absolutely nothing," and the most pleasant event in 12 years in the United States was the birth of his children.
"Sports come and go, but children and animals always love you, no matter what," he said.
Kuznetsov declined to name the best coach he worked with in the NHL because he didn't want to offend anyone. "Not all of them were good, but I don't want to offend anyone," he said. "Let them guess for themselves."
Finally, Kuznetsov, who signed a four-year contract with SKA in the KHL, addressed the North American fans who have been rooting for him all these years.
"I can't find the words to describe my love," he said. "I am very grateful to everyone. And I would like to apologize for all the bad games and negative moments that happened to me. I am sorry that my mistakes made them worry. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I want to say that they will have many different hockey players. They will have better and worse players, but they will never have a player like me again."
Sergey Demidov
