Evgeny Kuznetsov's fate with the Avalanche confirmed after latest news
Photo credit: Katie Adler / RMNB
The Colorado Avalanche have been dealt a major setback as their top free-agent target, Evgeny Kuznetsov, reportedly trims his list of potential destinations down to just two teams, throwing Colorado's offseason plans into uncertainty as the 2025-26 regular season approaches.
The Avalanche have reportedly shown interest in Kuznetsov over the course of the offseason.
Evgeny Kuznetsov's future with the Avalanche may already be decided after shocking latest news.
Antonio Losada from Athlon Sports writes that RG's Daria Tuboltseva reported Saturday that the 33-year-old forward is awaiting a decision from the Maple Leafs on whether they will sign him, while the Florida Panthers remain ready to step in if Toronto passes.
Tuboltseva noted that Kuznetsov's preference is clear, though he already has a backup plan in place.
"According to RG, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are both actively considering the possibility of signing the 33-year-old forward. The Panthers, in particular, could view him as a timely replacement for captain Aleksander Barkov, who recently underwent surgery and is expected to be out of action for 7-9 months." -Tuboltseva
Kuznetsov's agent, Shumi Babaev, confirmed that over 10 NHL teams showed interest in the forward this summer, while also dismissing rumours of an imminent return to the KHL for the upcoming season.
"The veteran forward is waiting on NHL options, with the Maple Leafs and Panthers both in the mix." -Per RG sources
"The veteran center spent last season in the KHL, tallying 37 points in 39 games for SKA Saint Petersburg before mutually terminating his contract in April.
Kuznetsov's most recent NHL action came in 2023-24, split between Washington and Carolina, where he posted 24 points in 63 combined games. At his peak, Kuznetsov was a consistent top-six contributor and played a pivotal role in Washington's 2018 Stanley Cup run." -Losada
Kuznetsov's most recent NHL action came in 2023-24, split between Washington and Carolina, where he posted 24 points in 63 combined games. At his peak, Kuznetsov was a consistent top-six contributor and played a pivotal role in Washington's 2018 Stanley Cup run." -Losada
Over his 11-year NHL career, Kuznetsov has totalled 575 points, including 173 goals and 402 assists, across 743 regular-season games.
He has also added 73 points in 97 playoff games, 87 with the Capitals and 10 with the Hurricanes.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 29 | 22 ANSWERS Evgeny Kuznetsov's fate with the Avalanche confirmed after latest news Who do you think Kuznetsov will sign with ahead of the NHL regular season? | ||
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 7 | 31.8 % |
| Florida Panthers | 15 | 68.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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