[1] As a youth, Kuznetsov played in his native Russia, within CSKA Moscow under-16 and under-18 programs before moving to North America to continue his development through the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Sioux Falls Stampede and at the collegiate level.
[citation needed] Following his freshman season with University of Connecticut in the Hockey East, Kuznetsov was selected in the second round, 50th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
[2] After his sophomore season, Kuznetsov concluded his collegiate career with the Huskies as he was signed by the Flames to a three-year, entry-level contract on 30 March 2021.
[3] He joined the Flames' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Stockton Heat to conclude the season.
Kuznetsov split the 2021-22 season between the Heat and the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).