Maple Leafs' 2C Gamble Could Decide Their Season's Fate

Teams are expected to take a swing at Kuznetsov, who is looking to return to the league after a year back in his native Russia following a disappointing end to the 2023-24 NHL season splitting time with the Washington Capitals, who he had spent his entire NHL career with up to that point, and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Dealing with player assistance and struggling with Washington, Kuznetsov left to return home for last season with SKA St. Petersburg.

He revitalized his game with a solid 37 points in 39 games, terminating his deal at the end of the season to head back to North America.

Looking to make his solid season in Russia as an indication he still has something left in the tank in the NHL, Kuznetsov continues to position himself as an available free agent willing to make a second opportunity work.

According to David Pagnotta, Kuznetsov is willing to take a deal in the $1-2M range to play for a contending team that could use a player like him in their top-nine.

Teams will be hoping that Kuznetsov's play in his final NHL season was just related to his mental health and something that has been worked on and isn't just the end of him as an NHLer, even at his going price.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could use a player of Kuznetsov's caliber at his best in their middle-six with a lack of available free agent options who could be offensive producers.

One name that has been linked to Toronto as a potential signing is Jack Roslovic, although no deal is done despite strong links between the forward.

He'd be a perfect 2C option and won't necessarily be related to the wing, as he and John Tavares can swap depending on the situation, and if there's anyone who's got the skills to hang on that second line it's Kuzy.

In 743 games, Kuznetsov has 575 points (173 goals, 402 assists), winning a Cup in 2018 and was a huge part of Washington's offense alongside Nicklas Backstrom and of course, Alex Ovechkin.

At only a million or two, it's worth a shot given they are looking for a band-aid solution right now, and not going to hedge their future on a 33-year Kuznetsov that's for sure.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking for a middle-six winger that can be impactful to the team, and while a risk, Evgeni Kuznetov may provide some of the highest upside the Leafs can get on the market.