"Now, send us Demidov" "Selke on the way": NHL fans react as former Canes star Evgeny Kuznetsov officially joins KHL side

Evgeny Kuznetsov is heading back to Russia after a successful NHL career. SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL signed him to a four-year deal. The KHL announced the news on X (formerly Twitter) with the message:

"Kuzy. Is. Back."

Evgeny Kuznetsov's new deal with SKA St. Petersburg is reportedly worth 92 million rubles per season, which is equal to about $1.1 million. This is a big drop from the $6 million cap hit he had in the NHL.

The announcement quickly got reactions from NHL fans on X.

"Selke on the way," one fan said.

"NOW, send us Demidov," another fan said.

"I know he's glad to be home, but I'll miss watching him," one X user said.

Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

"Now give us Nikishin as a thanks for letting him out of his contract," one fan posted.

"Best case scenario is he gets good minutes for SKA then comes over after the season. It is also possible they trade him to another KHL team. If he isn't getting the ice time there they should then consider trying to bring him over to NA," a fan commented.

"32 year old, 80 point player 2 years ago already out of the national," another fan pointed out.

Evgeny Kuznetsov returns to KHL after brief stint with Carolina Hurricanes

Evgeny Kuznetsov is going back to Russia after a short time with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes put him on unconditional waivers this month to end his contract. Kuznetsov, 32, joined them from the Washington Capitals just before the 2023-24 trade deadline. He had played his first 11 NHL seasons with the Capitals.

Last season, Kuznetsov had a tough year with only eight goals and 16 assists in 63 games. Despite this, he performed well in the Hurricanes' Eastern Conference Final run, scoring four goals and six points in 10 games.

In his NHL career, Kuznetsov has 173 goals and 402 assists from 743 games, plus 73 points in 97 playoff games. He was key to the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup win, with 32 points in 24 games.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is returning to the KHL after over 10 years. Before joining the Capitals, he played for his hometown team, Traktor Chelyabinsk. In the KHL, Kuznetsov has played 210 games, scoring 65 goals and earning 81 assists, and 21 points in 41 Gagarin Cup playoff games.