Former SKA goalkeeper and ex-coach of the Russian national hockey team Sergei Cherkas, in an interview about betting legality, highlighted Evgeny Kuznetsov as a player who earned global recognition through relentless work and dedication. Cherkas noted that Kuznetsov’s rise was fueled by hours spent training and refining his craft, not by luck or shortcuts.
“During his time with Bragin in the youth setup, Kuznetsov constantly stayed after practice to work with the goalkeepers. He thrives on improvisation and self-challenge,” Cherkas observed.
According to Cherkas, Kuznetsov is highly technical, exceptionally smart, and possesses outstanding hand skills. His willingness to put in the hard yards was evident whenever coaches created time for individual practice; he seized those opportunities without hesitation. These traits helped him transition from a promising junior to a world-class forward. [Citation: Cherkas interview]
Kuznetsov signed with the Washington Capitals, earning an average annual salary of $7.8 million, a contract that runs through 2025. He joined the Capitals in 2014 after beginning his professional career with Traktor Chelyabinsk. While in North America, Kuznetsov contributed to a franchise-defining moment by helping the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018. [Citation: team records and player contract history]
In a separate discussion, a former Swedish hockey figure addressed the question of why Kuznetsov did not depart Russia in the spring of 2022, offering insights into the player’s mindset, commitment to his team, and what kept him anchored at that time. [Citation: interview recap]