Evgeny Kuznetsov, C
Shoots: L	Height: 6-3	Weight: 187
Born: 1992-05-19	Hometown: Chelyabinsk, Russia	Drafted: 2010 by Washington Capitals, 26th Overall

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

 

July 2015 – Kuznetsov signed a two-year $6 million dollar contract with the Capitals on Monday, likely solidifying his spot in the top six for the foreseeable future. Pat Quinn

 

May 2015 – Kuznetsov scored 13 points in his final 18 games of the regular season showing consistency to his game, and that he was beginning to become adjusted to the NHL (he was also put on a line centering Ovechkin). He scored seven points in the Capitals 14 playoff games and often looked dangerous on the ice every time he handled the puck. He should have a much better 2015-2016 season as the Capitals number two centreman, especially if given better line-mates and more ice time. Pat Quinn

 

February 2015 – Having eight points in the last eight games (as of February 11th), Kuzy is finally beginning to show some consistent scoring at the NHL level. He has had three points in three separate three-game runs, but other than that the scoring have been incredibly sporadic along with his ability to create chances during the games. His ice time has been a mess so far this season, but ever since the calendar flipped to 2015 he has never seen less than 10 minutes with his ice time varying from 10:33 to 18:30. He has earned the trust of Barry Trotz to play on the second line and second power play unit let us just hope this run of points continues for the remained of the season. Pat Quinn

 

March 2014 – Kuznetsov had his first career NHL points Friday night against Vancouver in his third career game, recording three assists in just 9:58 of ice-time. In each game he has received limited even strength ice time but around one minute of powerplay time. Odds are this performance will bump up his minutes and with continued opportunities you have to think the skilled winger will produce decent results for these last 14 games of the season. Nathan Kanter

 

March 2014 – Kuznetsov is officially coming over to North America, after signing an two-year entry-level deal with the Capitals on March 8. He is expected to play for the Capitals Monday night (March 10), giving him 17 games to try to push Washington over the hump and into the post-season. Fantasy owners who own him and are looking for an extra push should activate him this weekend in advance of Monday's game. I wouldn't expect great numbers right away but when the fantasy playoffs begin he could certainly help your fantasy squad, considering he registered 146 points in 210 KHL games as a 17-21 year old. This year he had 21 points in 31 games, as he battled an injury. Nathan Kanter

 

February 2014 – Kuznetsov did not make the Russian Olympic squad and now he appears to be very upset about it. So upset he may be leaving the KHL before the season is done. On February 17, Kuznetsov tweeted that he is leaving Russia "very soon". It is assumed he will join the Caps before the season is done but it is best to wait for an official confirmation rather than relying on a tweet from the 21 year-old. Once here, he could certainly make an impact right away but personally I would wait until 2014-15 to see where exactly he fits in. Clearly though fantasy owners can be pleased that the wait appears to be over. Nathan Kanter

 

 

December 2013 – Kuznetsov, who reportedly stayed in Russia primarily to increase his chances to make Russia's Olympic squad, has played inconsistently after finding a bit of a hot streak in November. He has just four points in his last nine games and was most recently booed by hometown fans. Kuznetsov now has 14 points in 22 regular season contests. This kind of inconsistency won't get him on Team Russia for Sochi 2014, but a good bounce back in late December and early January could see things change. It's possible his shoulder still isn't 100% and fantasy owners can only hope he is completely healthy before he makes he's aniticipated move to North America at the end of the season. Nathan Kanter

 

November 2013 – Kuznetsov is getting into a groove after recovering from a shoulder injury. He has nine points in his last eight games, to bring his season total to 10 in 13 games. He also changed his jersey number this year to 84 from 92 (the year he is born). Nathan Kanter

 

October 2013 – Kuznetsov hurt his shoulder in early September and missed the beginning of the KHL season. Since his return, he only has one point in five games and is a minus-7. He recently stated in an interview with Alexey Shevchenko that if he were offered a five to seven year deal to stay in the KHL, he would think "long and hard". At this point though, it is still expected that he will come to North America at the end of the season when his KHL contract expires. Nathan Kanter

 

June 2013 – According to Uffe Bodin of hockeysverige.se, Kutznetsov has stated he fully intends to play in North America for the 2014-15 season, reiterating that even money won't be keeping him in Russia. He had another strong season in the KHL this past year, with 44 points in 51 games, though just 11 in 25 playoff games. He averaged over four shots on goal per game in the regular season, and over three per game in the playoffs, so he's likely to one day post some significant goal totals. Those who drafted him will only have to wait one more year, as he is likely to post some solid numbers right away. Certainly a Calder favourite already (he'll be 22). Nathan Kanter

 

July 2012 – Kuznetsov signed to stay in the KHL for two years, that doesn’t mean he will serve both years. He is apparently going to attend training camp for experience and an evaluation on where he is currently and then go back to Russia. Depending on where he is in development, he could cross for good next year. The fact Washington is not fighting KHL club Traktor on this, is showing good faith for future KHL dealings. Kuznetzov could likely be a solid NHL contributor now, as the Caps are rather gutted at the moment. He is still a very attractive prospect to acquire, just be aware you may be waiting on his contributions. Jason Banks

 

April 2012 – Evgeny Kuznetsov seamlessly shifts gears while skating and has a repertoire of offensive weapons that few have. Kuznetsov finds holes in defenses that most can’t see or capitalize on quickly as he can. He has a great touch both on his passes and his shots. He does need to get stronger and avoid getting knocked off the puck in the corners. The young Russian has been a consistent offensive spark for his country’s junior teams and put up very impressive numbers for a teenager in a league usually dominated by veterans with 40 points in 49 KHL games for Traktor Chelyabinsk during the 2011-2012 season. He had a much-publicized farewell skate for Traktor, which indicates he is probably coming over to the North America next season. Although nothing is guaranteed, Washington will put considerable pressure on him to join the Capitals next season. Assuming Kuznetsov does join them next campaign, he should jump right into the NHL and generate points quickly. Eventually, as long as he stays and in the NHL, he likely could be regularly producing 70 or more points per season. Dobber

 

Fantasy Outlook: A+

With Kuznetsov finally joining the Capitals, it's clear he has the ability to do some very special things for your fantasy team. Star potential.

 

Footage:

His second career point, an unbelievable cross-ice pass:

 

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

 

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