Evgeny Kuznetsov’s NHL career appears to be over as the former Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes forward has signed a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg, marking his return to Russia.
The 32-year-old Kuznetsov had a challenging season last year, managing only 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 63 games. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in February, shortly before being traded to Carolina.
In a recent interview with Sport-Express, Kuznetsov explained that his performance struggles were due to a serious health issue involving an autoimmune disease.
“I had rheumatoid arthritis and spent the year on medication and injections,” Kuznetsov said, according to Russian Machine Never Breaks. “Once I stopped the treatment, I felt much better. I haven’t used medication for three months and I’m feeling great now. I’m able to run and work out in the gym.”
Kuznetsov also shared that he had severe sleep issues, managing only two hours of sleep per night. “I don’t usually complain, but I had to speak out. Nobody believed me, not even the general manager, who was unaware of my struggles throughout the year.”
Rheumatoid arthritis, according to the National Health Institute, is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. This condition poses a significant challenge, particularly for professional athletes.
Now, with his move back to Russia, Kuznetsov is looking forward to a fresh start and is determined to make the most of this new chapter.
“Many people are waiting for me to fail,” Kuznetsov said. “I’ve never been driven to prove myself to anyone, but now I’m motivated to show them what I can do. This situation, where people hope for my failure, actually fuels me. I haven’t forgotten how to play hockey, and that’s what matters most.”
