Evgeny Kuznetsov's new team and salary is now known

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Josh Tupper
July 30, 2024 (8:39 PM)

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Evgeny Kuznetsov Signs New Contract with SKA St. Petersburg

After weeks of speculation, former NHLer Evgeny Kuznetsov has officially signed a new contract with SKA St. Petersburg, a prominent team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This move comes after Kuznetsov terminated his deal with the Carolina Hurricanes in recent weeks. The contract has drawn attention not only for its length but also for its unique salary structure.

According to Sport24.ru, Kuznetsov's new deal with SKA is for four years, taking him through to the age of 36. The contract will pay him 92 million rubles per season, which is just over the equivalent of $1 million USD. The figure of 92 million rubles is a nod to the number Kuznetsov wore throughout his NHL career.

"SKA will make a very nice move, which is sometimes practiced in the NHL - for example, Sidney Crosby signed a contract with an average salary of $8.7 million per year in honor of the fact that he plays under number 87. Evgeny Kuznetsov will receive a four-year contract in St. Petersburg, the average salary of which will be 92 million rubles."

Kuznetsov, a two-time NHL All-Star and 2018 Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals, requested the termination of his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in mid-July. He originally signed with the Capitals and had one year remaining on his deal, walking away from approximately $7 million in salary for the 2024-25 season. Notably, he had already received a $1 million signing bonus, which was due on July 1 of each year of the contract.

SKA St. Petersburg already had high hopes for the upcoming KHL season, and the addition of Kuznetsov further bolsters their roster. This team is so stacked with talent that last season, they loaned top prospect Matvei Michkov, a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, to another club due to lack of space in their lineup. Before his NHL career, Kuznetsov played for Chelyabinsk Traktor, his hometown team in the KHL.

With Kuznetsov's move back to Russia, the KHL gains a seasoned and skilled player who is expected to make a significant impact. His experience and talent will undoubtedly help SKA St. Petersburg in their pursuit of championship glory.

Source: Sports24
According to Sport24.ru, Kuznetsov's deal with SKA is for four years, which takes him to the age of 36.