In a surprising turn of events, the Carolina Hurricanes have decided to cut ties with Evgeny Kuznetsov, whom they acquired at last season’s trade deadline. Rumors are swirling that the team is looking to buy out the remaining year of Kuznetsov’s contract, a move that will require placing him on unconditional waivers first.
Kuznetsov, a former key player for the Washington Capitals, was known for his playmaking skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates like Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie. However, his time in D.C. was marred by off-ice issues and a decline in performance, leading to his entry into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Despite his struggles, Kuznetsov’s track record speaks for itself with 173 goals and 402 assists in regular season play. His standout performance in the 2018 playoffs, where he notched 12 goals and 20 assists in 24 games to help lead the Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory, showcased his potential.
When Carolina took a chance on Kuznetsov, they hoped he could recapture some of that playoff magic. While he didn’t quite reach the same heights, he did contribute to the team and seemed to find joy in the game again. However, questions lingered about his future role with the Hurricanes given his age, playing style, and fit within Rod Brind’Amour’s system.
Ultimately, the decision to part ways with Kuznetsov could benefit both parties. The Russian forward may find a better fit back home in the KHL, while Carolina gains much-needed salary cap relief to address other roster needs, such as re-signing key restricted free agents like Jack Drury, Martin Necas, and Seth Jarvis.
As the Hurricanes look to the future without Kuznetsov, it remains to be seen how they will adjust their lineup and fill the void left by his departure. One thing is for certain – change is on the horizon for Carolina as they navigate this unexpected twist in their offseason plans. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
