Hockey

"Necas Has Been Let Off the Leash": Kuznetsov On Hurricanes’ Forward, Crosby, and Capitals’ Success

Published: Nov 29, 2024, 9:50 AM
1 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2025, 11:02 AM
Fact checked by:
Marco D'Amico

Evgeny Kuznetsov, a former NHL superstar and Stanley Cup champion, is now making waves in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg. Despite his move back to Russia, his connection to the NHL remains strong.

In a recent interview with RG, Kuznetsov offered thoughtful insights on everything from his observations of NHL stars to his advice for younger players carving out their place in professional hockey.

Necas Blossoming to His Fullest  

Martin Necas’ evolution as a dominant player in the NHL is turning heads, and for Evgeny Kuznetsov, this development is no surprise. Kuznetsov, who once shared the ice with Necas, reflected on his former teammate’s rise with a sense of certainty and admiration:  

“He’s a powerful player, both physically and technically. I played with him a little, so I can confidently say that. Now, he’s been let off the leash a little and blossomed to the fullest.”

Necas’ growth reflects the transformation that happens when a player is given the right opportunities to succeed. This kind of growth isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about finding the right environment to thrive. Carolina’s coaching staff has clearly entrusted Necas with greater responsibility, and the results are evident in his performance.  

This breakout season has cemented Necas as a core player for the Hurricanes, and Kuznetsov’s admiration for his former teammate is layered with both respect and insight.  

Saying something like “he’s blossomed to the fullest” isn’t just a compliment; it’s a testament to how much potential Kuznetsov always saw in him. 

The Capitals’ Foundation for Success  

As Kuznetsov looks back on the Washington Capitals, it’s clear that he still keeps a close eye on his former team. Their resurgence has caught the attention of fans and players alike, and Kuznetsov offered his perspective on what’s driving their success.  

“It seems that they have a very good defense, where solid players are gathered. The goalie line may cost 2 million, but both goalies play excellently. With such a foundation, building a much more successful attacking game is possible,” he said, pointing out the importance of a strong defensive core.  

The Capitals have always been a team known for their offensive prowess, but Kuznetsov’s remarks underscore how critical their defense has become. This isn’t just about flashy plays or individual brilliance—it’s about creating a system where every piece fits together.  

The goaltending, as Kuznetsov noted, might not have the highest price tag, but it’s delivering results. This efficiency, combined with a cohesive defensive strategy, has given the team a new edge.  

Kuznetsov also had high praise for head coach Spencer Carbery, whose approach he sees as both patient and effective.

“He knows how to convey details to the players. I saw how he gave the players the opportunity to make mistakes more than once, but they ultimately understood what was required of them. He has a huge amount of trust in the players,” he remarked.

That trust, coupled with Carbery’s ability to guide players through challenges, has been a game-changer for the Capitals. It’s a dynamic that Kuznetsov recognizes as essential for long-term success, and it’s clear that he sees his former team as one to watch.

Laughs and Legacy: Crosby’s 600 Goals  

Sidney Crosby’s achievement of 600 goals is a milestone that few in hockey can claim, but Kuznetsov approached it with a mix of respect and humor.  

“He’s a very balanced player. He’s one of the best in any area of hockey. He can do any job and play in any position. Everything he does, he does great,” said Kuznetsov of his old rival.

But, with that compliment to one of the best to ever play the game, came an equally entertaining chirp from the former star center to bring things back to perfect balance.

“He was especially good at faceoffs, although he’s stopped trying at the dot in the last 10 years,” he joked, adding a burst of laughter.  

For Kuznetsov, Crosby’s greatness is undeniable, but his ability to poke fun at one of the game’s legends adds a human touch to the conversation. The remark about faceoffs isn’t just humor—it’s a nod to how the game and its rules evolve, and how even the best players have to adapt.  

Crosby’s legacy, as Kuznetsov pointed out, is about more than just goals. His versatility, consistency, and ability to excel in every aspect of the game set him apart.  

Young Russian Talent: Michkov and Miroshnichenko  

The NHL’s newest wave of Russian talent is stepping into the spotlight, and veterans like Evgeny Kuznetsov are watching closely, ready to share wisdom earned through years of experience. Matvei Michkov and Ivan Miroshnichenko are two young stars brimming with potential, but their paths are fraught with challenges that extend beyond the ice.

Kuznetsov’s advice to Michkov is a masterclass in resilience and adaptability.  

“He must absorb all the information like a sponge,” Kuznetsov said, emphasizing the importance of being coachable and responsive. “Even if something doesn’t work out, he shouldn’t give up but listen and work. Even if they raise their voice at him or put pressure on him, he needs to learn to swallow it, turn the page, and come back the next day with a smile.”

Adapting to the NHL’s demands requires more than technical skill; it demands emotional and cultural intelligence. Kuznetsov highlighted a common hurdle for Russian players: the hesitation to ask questions.  

“Many Russian players think that if you ask questions, you’re either showing weakness or sucking up. In fact, this is normal,” said Kuznetsov. “The more questions he asks, the more information he gets.”  

For players like Michkov, this advice could be transformative.

Ivan Miroshnichenko, on the other hand, must balance his undeniable talent with a commitment to team dynamics. Kuznetsov explained, 

“I know the coach, and everything will depend not only on goals and assists. If he pays attention to details and coaching instructions, he will be trusted and given a chance. And then points will come.”  

This underscores a vital lesson: talent opens doors, but discipline and adaptability ensure longevity.

Kuznetsov also shared insights into the challenges young players face under demanding coaches like John Tortorella. The relationship between Tortorella and Michkov, for example, has been a topic of intrigue.

“Judging by the words of Tortorella, who says he constantly talks individually with Matvei, he believes in him. He will not waste his time just like that,” said Kuznetsov.

This kind of focused mentorship is rare, but it requires Michkov to embrace every moment, even under pressure.

Beyond technical advice, Kuznetsov emphasized the mental resilience required to thrive in the NHL.  

“Even if they raise their voice at him or put pressure on him, he needs to learn to swallow it, turn the page, and come back the next day with a smile,” Kuznetsov reiterated, emphasizing the grit needed to overcome hurdles.

The rise of these young stars marks an exciting chapter for Russian hockey, one where the lessons of veterans like Kuznetsov will play a pivotal role in shaping their futures.

Head of News Department
Sergey Demidov is Head of News at RG.org and has covered global sports since 2007. His work spans the Olympics, FIFA World Cups, IOC events, and Stanley Cup Finals. A former sports department deputy chief editor at Gazeta.Ru and TASS News Agency, and current senior editor at NHL.com/ru, Sergey has interviewed stars like Alex Ovechkin and Jaromir Jagr, former WADA and FIFA presidents Craig Reedy and Sepp Blatter, and coaches like Fabio Capello. He specializes in hockey and publishes in English and Russian.
Interests:
NHL
EPL
FIFA
UCL
NFL
NBA
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Hiking
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Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria Tuboltseva has worked as a sports journalist since 2014 and has specialized in hockey coverage since 2016. She’s reported from some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Olympic Games (Beijing 2022), the FIFA World Cup (2018), the IIHF World Championships (2016–2019, 2021), the IIHF World Junior Championship (2019), and every Gagarin Cup Final since 2017.

Her work has appeared in leading Russian sports outlets like Championat.com and Sport24, as well as on the official websites of the KHL and the Women’s Hockey League (WHL). Daria has conducted exclusive interviews with some of the sport’s most recognized names, including Alex Ovechkin, Jaromir Jagr, Kirill Kaprizov, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Igor Shesterkin.

Beyond her writing, Daria brings extensive on-camera experience. She hosted NHL Today on Yandex.Efir and has produced powerful long-form projects such as the documentary Lokomotiv Crash and the series Hockey Country, featuring stars like Ovechkin, Malkin, Bobrovsky, Vasilevskiy, and Panarin. Her work has taken her to NHL games across North America and international events like the NHL Global Series in Europe.

In addition to her media career, Daria is a certified integrative nutritionist with a focus on sports nutrition. She works one-on-one with KHL players, helping them optimize performance and recovery through tailored nutrition plans. Her ability to blend media expertise with athlete support gives her a unique presence in the professional hockey world.

Daria publishes in both English and Russian and is the creator of the Telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth, where she shares insights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the hockey world.

Based in: Saint Petersburg, Russia

Languages: English, Russian

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