"Despite being back in Russia and associating with various KHL clubs, Kuznetsov's agent, Shumi Babaev, has stated that he and his client are still exclusively speaking to NHL teams regarding the search for his next hockey home. Babaev added that he and Kuznetsov have not set a deadline to find a suitor before considering other options, but NHL training camps are only a few weeks away from starting."
"Kozlov may have a vested interest in speaking with Kuznetsov, beyond their shared status as former NHL stars, as he currently serves as the head coach of Salavat Yulaev. The 2025-26 season will be his fourth year in charge of the team after he began his coaching career as an assistant on Metallurg's bench in 2015. Under Kozlov's watch this past season, Salavat Yulaev finished second in the KHL's Eastern Conference, notching a 45-20-3 record in 68 games."
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Viktor Kozlov met in Russia during Kuznetsov's recent KHL visits. The two combined for 663 points (200g, 463a) in 871 career games for the Washington Capitals. Kuznetsov attended a Metallurg Magnitogorsk preseason game before meeting Kozlov. Kuznetsov recorded 37 points (12g, 25a) in 39 games in his return KHL season in 2024-25. Kuznetsov's agent, Shumi Babaev, said they are still only speaking to NHL teams and have not set a deadline to consider other options as NHL training camps approach. Kozlov is head coach of Salavat Yulaev, which finished second in the KHL Eastern Conference and reached the semifinals.
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