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Ryan Snow> Should the Habs Sign Evegeny Kuznetsov? |
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Should the Habs Sign Evegeny Kuznetsov?
by Ryan Snow
With the recent comments from Kuznetsov agent Shumi Babaeve on his desire to return to the NHL, the question must be asked; should the Habs give him a shot? My answer is maybe…
Should Kent Hughes decide to give him a shot ,Kuznetsov does bring a lot to table. He is a centre, which would address the Habs need for the second line. Also, he has great playmaking ability, high skill and a good shot. Furthemore, he played with Demidov last season in the KHL so there would be some familiarity there. A line of Laine-Kuznetsov-Demidov would be an offensive threat on any given night and would give the first line some breathing room in terms of matchups. His contract, as said by his agent, would not be an expensive one, but it remains to be seen what that is.
I would be wary here. I love the team's culture right now and I would not want it to be muddled up by a second line that gives away the puck at the blue line (Laine can be guilty of this) and does not play the Habs high forecheck style, instead attempting high risk puck possession zone entries. Also, when it comes to a contract I would not go over a two year deal. This would give flexibility for a trade should it be needed. At the end of the day, I trust Hughes to do his due diligence here, and I doubt he will overpay or make an uninformed decision.
Signing him also takes the Habs out of the game somewhat to add a younger top six forward who would be a better fit with the Habs young core. Kuznetsov is 33 and his best seasons are behind him, and while he can still have a positive impact, should a younger player entering his prime become available, the Habs could miss the boat. I’m on the fence and I think they are better off being patient but should they sign him, I would be excited to see how having two solid scoring lines would pan out!
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