The Kuzy krawl is going back to Russia. News broke that former Washington Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, wants his NHL contract terminated in order to sign with SKA of the KHL. It's stunning news, especially since Kuznetsov was looking for a fresh start after being traded from the Capitals to the Hurricanes last year. <q> Evgeny Kuznetsov, of SKA, is finished in the NHL. Had a good run, although never an analytical darling - probably one of those model-breaking playmakers. </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/jfreshhockey/status/1812897798863335764'> </a></blockquote></div> His intentions of leaving were imminent but speculation grew when the buyout window deadline passed without any mention of the 33 year-old. It became clear the situation was more complicated than we thought and now we realize it's because he's switching leagues to prolong his professional career and go back to his roots. <q> Everything is possible in our life but it's too early to talk about Evgeny Kuznetsov return to Russia </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/babayevshumi/status/1813241580641276106'> </a></blockquote></div> Before coming to America, he was a stud for his hometown KHL team, Traktor Chelyabinsk. <q> Evgeny Kuznetsov's penalty shot tech is a perfect example of loving the guy on your team and hating it if he's not. </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/collinhomeice/status/1785462266629865849'> </a></blockquote></div> In 63 games between Washington and Carolina this past season, he had eight goals and 24 points, before posting four goals and six points in ten postseason tilts for the Canes so he showed he still has what it takes to be effective when healthy. <q> May 7, 2018: In R2 G6, Evgeny Kuznetsov scores the game-winning OT goal in Pittsburgh to send the Caps to the Eastern Conference Final. </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/tdisportsclips/status/1788054125529247842'> </a></blockquote></div> Even though Kuznetsov wanted out with a year left on his deal, Carolina had the final say. Now, they've decided to grant his request to depart the states for good. It's hard to believe that the 2018 Stanley Cup champion with the Capitals is now out of the league just six years later. Source: Blades of Steel <a href='https://www.bladeofsteel.com/nhl-team/carolina-hurricanes/evgeny-kuznetsov-agency-addresses-leaked-rumors-about-nhl-departure' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Evgeny Kuznetsov's agency addresses leaked rumors about NHL departure</a>