By Zach Hart
Shades of Red D.C
When the Capitals selected Russian center Evgeny Kuznetsov with the 26th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, no one thought that he would still be suited up for KHL's Traktor Chelyabinsk when the Capitals kicked off their 2013-14 season. Since he was drafted, the Capitals have been on a roller coaster ride trying to get him to come to North America.
Kuznetsov played with Traktor for three seasons between 2009-2012 before hitting the free agent market in May of 2012. This had many Caps fans excited to welcome Traktor's leading scorer to D.C. But those hopes were shot down when Kuznetsov stated he was staying in the KHL. Our hopes were heightened once again when his agent later took back Kuznetsov's statement and even Kuznetsov himself later stated " I said what I said to get people off my back."
Later, Kuznetsov made Russia's World Championship team and skated alongside Penguin's star Evgeny Malkin. Despite Russia's action in the World Championships, the media only had questions for Kuznetsov regarding where he would be suiting up for the 2012-13 hockey seasons. Kuznetsov finally gave everyone the answer they were looking for and it wasn't the answer the Caps organization and fans wanted to hear. Kuznetsov stated he was signing a two year contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk and that his decision making was based on the fact that he "Wasn't NHL ready" and he "really wanted to make the Olympic team." Our hopes were shot down again.
In December of 2012 during a PRO-sport magazine interview with Ovechkin, the great eight had this to say about Kuznetsov's decision: “He should’ve gone to America,” Ovechkin said. “Even if it hadn’t worked out, he’d quietly come back to Russia and have the same role and the same money that was available before. I think he’ll understand it in a year. He’ll understand that it is time to go to the NHL, but he’ll have a year left on his deal with Traktor.”
Now that Kuznetsov is in a contract year with Traktor, he's getting Caps fans excited again with recent comments like this:
“I promised to play for Washington after the Olympics,” Kuznetsov said, as translated by RMNB’s Fedor Fedin. “I want to play in [D.C.], but I’m playing for Traktor right now. I have a contract and I will continue to fight with sweat and blood playing for such a great club.”
AND:
“I’ve decided for myself that it is my last year in the KHL. There’s no money that could keep me in Russia. I could make 30 times less, but I’ll feel what it’s like to live in a different country and play against the best players in the world.”
When the director of Traktor Chelyabinsk was asked about Kuznetsov's leaving he even replied with this: "I’m 200% sure he’s going [to Washington]. Once the season’s over he’s leaving"
Kuznetsov will be eligible to play for the Caps at the end of this season because the KHL's season starts/ends before the NHL season. Therefore, his contract would be up, making him eligible to join the Caps just in time for the playoffs. But most would expect if the Caps were to miss the playoffs he would wait until next season to join (if he decides to join.) Also, if Kuznetsov wanted to join the Caps after the Sochi Olympics, it's possible Traktor could let him out of the remainder of his contract to leave for the NHL. Another Russian team "Kuznetskie Medvedi" did this for Caps prospect Dmitri Orlov in 2010-11 so he could join the Hershey Bears (Capitals affiliate club.)
It's probably worth noting that Kuznetsov sustained his second shoulder injury 30 seconds into Traktor's second game of this season and actually had surgery to repair the "left shoulder joint which had a capsule tear." The surgery was successful and was only done to accelerate his return to the ice. It shouldn't be a worry for Caps fans as he's already returned to the ice and in just 19 games played for Traktor this season, Kuznetsov has 7 goals and 14 total points.
The Caps organization and fans know not to get their hopes up because we've been down this road before. But it seems to be more likely this time around. No matter how this season plays out or what we need (even if its to help a playoff push) as the trade deadline approaches, trading Kuznetsov should absolutely be OUT of the question. He is accurate enough to score from anywhere on the ice and has been compared to scorers like John Tavares and Zach Parise. His backhand shot and stick handling is in the ranks of Crosby. Speed...well lets just say he has it!
Since his 2010-11 season started with Traktor, Kuznetsov has played in 200 contests (including playoffs) and has amassed 74 goals and 77 assists for a 0.755 points per game average. Imagine what those stats would amount to if he was added to a line with Ovechkin (NHL leading goal scorer) and Backstrom. Or maybe Grabovski and Brouwer. Or my personal favorite: Could you imagine a powerplay with Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, Grabovski and Kuznetsov!? It should be a crime.
Zach Hart, Brian Smith, William Facciolo and Richard Facciolo are Shades of Red D.C., a group of local fans who have fun analyzing their favorite pro sports teams in the DC area. Catch them on Facebook and on their blog.
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