Why Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Canadiens Makes Sense

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have made some major moves this offseason, the biggest being the trade to bring in defenceman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. This move certainly shifts the Canadiens into a more win-now position following a surprising postseason birth. Yet, following the blockbuster trade, reports say Hughes and company have not made their final addition to the roster.

It has been widely reported that the Canadiens continue to search for forward help inside their top six lines, and now a new name has entered the mix. Evgeny Kuznetsov, who won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, has recently been linked to the Canadiens. Here is why Ivan Demidov's former teammate could be the perfect option to give the Canadiens depth down the middle for an inexpensive price.

Evgeny Kuznetsov linked to the Canadiens

When reports surfaced that Kuznetsov is eyeing an NHL return after spending last season with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, interest quickly spread across the league. The Canadiens, who are still actively searching for depth down the middle, appear to be among the teams reportedly showing interest in the free-agent center.

Canadiens insider Marco D'Amico reported that the team is searching for a left-handed center to help fill some holes down the middle created by the absence of Christian Dvorak, who signed a one-year, $5,400,000 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in free agency. While the timeline of Kirby Dach's return from a knee injury remains unclear, and 2024 first-round pick Michael Hage continues to develop, Alex Newhook is currently pencilled into the second-line center position. Having Newhook, who recorded just 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points in 82 games last season, as the only left-handed centerman is less than ideal for a playoff hopeful team. Yes, the Canadiens just acquired the left-handed Zachary Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues, who has said he can play center; however, it is unlikely he will begin the season there.

As the Canadiens' search for options continues, Kuznetsov enters the scene. The centerman left the NHL for his home country in Russia following the 2023-2024 season, during which he recorded 24 points over 63 games split between the Capitals and Hurricanes. Kuznetsov signed with SKA for the 2025 season, where he occasionally shared a line with Demidov.

Kuznetsov looked like his past self with SKA, recording 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points across 39 games. Following an impressive showing and a low supply of free-agent centermen in the NHL, the 33-year-old is hopeful for a return to North America. With many teams interested in Kuznetsov due to his strong resume in the NHL and what is expected to be a reasonably low price tag for his services, it is far from certain that the Stanley Cup champion ends up in Montreal.

However, when speaking about potential fits, the Canadiens might be atop the list, as Demidov would give Kuznetsov some familiarity down his wing. The two connected for some electric plays in Russia this past season, giving the Canadiens management all the more reason to experiment with the two as line mates in the NHL.

Kuznetsov made a statement regarding his chemistry with Demidov last season: “I think it happened right away. From the very first game." The pair's chemistry was clear right from the jump, as the KHL's reigning rookie of the year scored his first career goal in the league following a dish from Kuznetsov.

It is unclear where the Canadiens' interest in Kuznetsov stems from. Still, given that Hughes and his staff followed Demidov throughout his entire time in the KHL, even making a trip to Russia to meet with their top prospect in person, the Canadiens likely knew of their chemistry all along.

The Canadiens continue to search for a second-line center this offseason. However, it seems that Hughes is undecided on whether or not he wants to wait for Hage. If finding short-term solutions to the gaping hole down the middle while their 21st overall selection develops with the organization is what Hughes elects to do, Kuznetsov could be the perfect man for the job. A contract that is expected to be cheap, providing the opportunity to fill other holes this offseason, combined with his past winning pedigree and chemistry with the Canadiens' prized possession, makes Kuznetsov an ideal fit into the Canadiens' forward group should management decide to take a run at signing the 2018 Stanley Cup champion.