🏒 Kuznetsov to Montreal? Canadiens Flirt with High-Risk, High-Reward Center as Offseason Heats Up…read more…

 July 9, 2025

With the dust still settling after a whirlwind trade for Noah Dobson and the re-signing of Jakub Dobes, the Montreal Canadiens have made headlines again — this time, for their reported interest in former Capitals and KHL center Evgeny Kuznetsov.

For a team navigating a delicate rebuild-meets-retool phase, Kuznetsov’s name injects drama, talent, and some controversy into the summer narrative. Could the enigmatic playmaker be the spark Montreal needs to vault from mediocrity into playoff contention? Or would he be a flashy detour from the Habs’ long-term plan?

Let’s dive into what this interest means — and whether it should excite or concern fans in La Belle Province.

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🧠 The Rumor: Kuznetsov Eyes NHL Return, Habs Among Suitors

According to multiple sources including RG Hockey, the Montreal Canadiens are “actively monitoring” Evgeny Kuznetsov, who is exploring an NHL return after a brief but productive stint in the KHL. The former Stanley Cup champion and longtime Washington Capitals forward is said to be in talks with several teams — but Montreal is one of the few franchises with both the interest and roster need for a player of his type.

Insiders suggest the Habs have reached out to Kuznetsov’s camp to gauge his expectations — both financially and in terms of role. While no deal is imminent, the Canadiens are “seriously evaluating” the move as they attempt to upgrade their center depth and boost offensive production.

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🧾 Kuznetsov: The Player, The Past, The Possibility

At 33, Evgeny Kuznetsov is no longer the high-flying, dynamic two-way center who helped lead the Capitals to a Stanley Cup in 2018. But he’s still a potent weapon.

📊 Career Snapshot:

• 726 NHL games

• 171 goals, 388 assists (559 points)

• Averaged 0.77 points per game in the NHL

• Last full season with Washington (2023–24): 42 points in 74 games

• KHL stint (2024–25): 35 points in 39 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk

Kuznetsov is still elusive with the puck, a cerebral passer, and a power-play specialist. He’s lost a step in speed, but not in vision. And with the right support, he could still be a strong second-line center or power-play QB.

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💥 Why the Habs Are Interested

1. Top-Six Center Vacancy

While Nick Suzuki is the franchise’s clear-cut 1C, there’s still a question mark down the middle. Kirby Dach is recovering from major injury, and youngsters like Owen Beck or Sean Farrell aren’t ready to fill the 2C void.

Kuznetsov could offer veteran stability, helping bridge the gap while Montreal’s core matures.

2. Power-Play Struggles

The Canadiens ranked 29th in PP% last season — a glaring weakness. Kuznetsov is known for his quarterbacking ability on the half wall, a skill Montreal sorely needs to boost their special teams.

3. Low-Risk, High-Reward

If Kuznetsov is willing to take a short-term “prove-it” deal, the Canadiens can acquire a veteran with upside without mortgaging the future. They could even flip him at the deadline if the rebuild timeline remains the priority.

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🧨 The Risks & Red Flags

Kuznetsov’s talent is unquestioned — but so are the concerns.

❗Off-Ice Baggage

His time in Washington ended amid rumors of locker room tension, inconsistent effort, and a suspension for violating the NHL’s substance abuse policy. While he seemed revitalized in the KHL, the question remains: Is he fully recommitted to the grind of an 82-game NHL season?

⏳ Age & Fit

At 33, Kuznetsov may not be a culture fit for a young, rebuilding team. His playing style leans toward finesse and creativity — a contrast to Martin St. Louis’s hard-nosed, defensively accountable system.

Would he embrace a mentor role, or see Montreal as a platform to chase personal revival?

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💡 What Could a Deal Look Like?

Assuming mutual interest develops, Montreal might offer:

• 1-year contract worth around $2.5M–$3.5M

• Performance bonuses for GP (games played) and point totals

• Possible trade clause flexibility (to move him at the deadline)

Cap-wise, Montreal has flexibility, especially if they move Mike Matheson or package a few contracts.

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🤝 Veteran Influence or Youth Blocker?

The front office, led by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, will have to weigh Kuznetsov’s presence against the development of young forwards like Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, and Filip Mesar. Could he take valuable ice time from emerging talent?

Or — best-case scenario — could he mentor them, add creativity, and help Suzuki shoulder the offensive load?

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🔚 Final Take: Tempting, But Tread Carefully

Kuznetsov to Montreal is far from a sure thing — but it’s a real possibility. The Canadiens are no longer bottom-feeders. They’ve built a promising defensive core, added firepower with Ivan Demidov, and now must find offensive support to take the next step.

Kuznetsov could be that support — if he’s motivated, on a team-friendly deal, and ready to buy into the system.

This is one of those rare situations where both risk and reward are high. The Habs must ask: Is the juice worth the squeeze?