Former hockey player “Spartak” Vadim Berdnikov suggested why the former striker “Caroline” And “Washington” Evgeny Kuznetsov decided to return to Russia and signed a contract with SKA .
The St. Petersburg club announced on July 31 the signing of a four-year contract with 32-year-old Kuznetsov.
— To be honest, I am surprised that he decided to return to Russia. Of course, I would like Kuzya to play in the NHL. Here he has not yet said his word, he has a second wind.
— In an interview, Kuznetsov said he would not return to the NHL.
“If he said it, it means he’s not coming back.” There are apparently several reasons for this.
— Is there any regret that he didn’t reveal himself one hundred percent in the NHL?
– Yes, of course. When he was traded to Carolina, it seemed like it was time to make it happen. But you saw for yourself how much time he spent on the ice: seven minutes per game on the third line. But even with that much playing time, he scored six goals for the team and provided seven assists. He showed that he was ready, that he was in shape. But apparently, the coach didn’t really trust him and even benched him in some games. So I think that also played a role in his decision about the future.
If Kuznetsov now spent a season in Carolina, it would be unclear what role he would play. I think he did not want to spend the whole season on the third or fourth line, that is not his place. Already the age of a veteran, and the prospects would be bleak. Many factors did not depend on him. Since he made the decision to sign a four-year contract with St. Petersburg, it means that it is better for him and his family, ”Berdnikov quotes RB Sport as saying.
The new KHL season starts on September 3. In its first match of the new championship, SKA will play on September 5 away against the winner of the Gagarin Cup, Magnitogorsk Metallurg.
“RB Sport”
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Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
