Why Evgeny Kuznetsov Has Maple Leafs Fans and Reporters Going Back and Forth

According to RG Media, Evgeny Kuznetsov is linked to Toronto, as well as the Florida Panthers, with both teams considering signing the 33-year-old Russian center.

For Florida, Kuznetsov would be a top-six piece to handle the losses of Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov to long-term injuries, leaving a hole in the team's offense.

Toronto's need comes from looking for a roster upgrade since July 1st, but the idea of Kuznetsov as the team's acquisition has caused some divide, with some for the move and some against it.

Proponents of the idea point to Kuznetsov's past as a top-six forward and the potential offensive caliber he could bring to the Leafs offense, while those in disagreement argue that he's an inefficient player who doesn't help the team's goals.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is a player who has shown at his best the capability to be a top-six forward, and is only a few years separated from when he was at his peak.

Kuznetsov is just five seasons out from a 78 point season with Washington back in the 2021-22 NHL season. Kuznetsov has dropped his production in recent years with just 24 points in 63 games last season split between the Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes.

A year back home in Russia in the KHL has done some good for Kuznetsov, who had 37 points in 39 games for SKA St. Petersburg, showcasing that there is still some gas left in the tank for the 33-year-old who could use a reset, and seems poised for an NHL second chance.

Kuznetsov is potentially a higher upside bet than the other free agent linked to Toronto in Jack Roslovic, a player who like Kuznetsov has his biggest weakness being consistency.

But Kuznetsov plays with more defensive control than Roslovic, although Roslovic is younger and played last season in the NHL.

With reports that Toronto may now be out on Roslovic, the focus may shift to the best case scenario in Kuznetsov, if Toronto is truly desperate enough for a forward, but it comes with obvious downsides.

The most clear question for Evgeny Kuznetsov is if he can stick this time in the NHL, seemingly having lost his ability when he last played in the league.

Not only did Kuznetsov have a fall-off from his past self, he tumbled off a cliff head first entirely. It was more a complete loss of ability to play as he once did, with perhaps Kuznetsov having lost his passion for the game being one bit of speculation.

Kuznetsov's drop in production starting from 2019 coincides with a positive drug test in which Kuznetsov was seen in possession of an unnamed white powder, later testing positive. Kuznetsov got help for substance abuse, but has struggled since the ordeal.

At best, Kuznetsov's days as a top-six forward seem behind him, and if Toronto is looking for a top-six forward, they may be better off trusting what they already have.

He's surely not winning any battle with John Tavares for the 2C spot, and his only chance at the top-six is on the wing with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, with the Leafs current options being Max Domi and Matias Maccelli.

Domi is someone who has chemistry with Matthews in the past, and Maccelli is someone who is looking to have a bounceback year after struggles last season, while still being on the young side at 24.

Toronto also has to deal with Florida, who is much more of a need for a top forward, and needs one much more with two major injuries up top.

While the best of Evgeny Kuznetsov is a top-six forward who if he can return to his old ways could be a major help for the Toronto Maple Leafs, his recent struggles make him a gamble that may keep him from the NHL entirely as it already has.

Are Toronto needing offense enough to be willing to take the risk? Or will the Leafs pass and wait out finding the right addition instead, even if not immediate.