Capitals Prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov Signs 2-Year Deal In KHL

Evgeny Kutnetsov Signs 2-Year Deal In KHL

Evgeny Kutnetsov has rumored that he wanted to spend more time in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League before joining the Washington Capitals in the NHL. On Monday, the winger made it official by signing a two-year contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL.

#Caps prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov has officially signed a two-year contract with Traktor.

— Alexander Zaytsev (@AlexandrZaytsev) June 4, 2012

The Caps selected Kutnetsov with the 26th overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft when he was just 18 years old. If he plays out his Russian contract, he won't be available to join his team stateside until 2014. With Alexander Semin potentially head elsewhere, Kutznetsov may have earned ice time in Washington this season. He has mentioned making the Olympics among his primary goals before beginning his NHL career in earnest.

For more on Kuznetsov and the Capitals, head over to the SB Nation blog Japers' Rink and SB Nation DC. Be sure to stay tuned to SBN's NHL hub for more news and analysis.

Evgeny Kuznetsov Staying In Russia For At Least 1 More Year, Capitals GM Says

A previous report indicated that former Washington Capitals first-round pick Evgeny Kuznetsov would be staying in Russia playing in the Kontinental Hockey League until at least 2014, but according to the Washington Post he'll remain in the KHL at least one more year.

"We've talked to the agent. It doesn't appear that he's going to make it over for next season," McPhee said. "He's a young guy...We understand why he might not want to leave yet. But at some point he'll want to come to this league. It's the best league in the world. He's a heck of a player so when he's ready to come we'll be ready for him."

The Capitals could be losing second leading scorer Alexander Semin to free agency, so the hope was to add Kuznetsov for an injection of offense into the lineup. It does not appear that the Capitals will see their 20-year-old first round pick next season, however.

For more on Kuznetsov and the Capitals, head over to the SB Nation blog Japers' Rink and SB Nation DC. Be sure to stay tuned to SBN's NHL hub for more news and analysis.

Capitals Prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov Staying In KHL Until 2014, According To Report

Evgeny Kuznetsov will stay in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League until at least 2014, according to reports. He was selected with the Capitals' first pick of the 2010 NHL Draft at 18 years old.