The Carolina Hurricanes made a significant move this week, placing Evgeny Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers, effectively ending his tenure with the team. It's a sudden turn for the skilled center, known for his highs and lows throughout his NHL career.
Kuznetsov, who was set to earn $6 million of his final $8 million salary in a deal that originally spanned seven years, opted to forego that remaining amount. Instead, he walked away with a $2 million bonus already paid earlier in the month. General manager Eric Tulsky expressed mutual agreement on the decision, noting it was best for both Kuznetsov and the team.
Rumors swirled earlier about Kuznetsov eyeing a move back to Russia to play for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL. Reports indicated mutual interest in terminating his contract, a move that needed both parties' consent. Otherwise, the Hurricanes would have had to wait for a potential buyout window later in the summer, contingent upon resolving other contractual matters.
Kuznetsov's agent, Craig Oster, hasn't provided immediate clarity on his client's future amidst these developments. The Hurricanes acquired Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals just before the trade deadline, with the Capitals agreeing to retain half of his hefty $7.8 million salary cap hit. His departure now relieves each team of a $3.9 million cap obligation.
While Kuznetsov shone brightly during the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, earning accolades as the team's top scorer and finishing as the Conn Smythe runner-up, his career trajectory has been turbulent since then. Trade rumors and inconsistent play marked his tenure, including a brief stint as a healthy scratch during the Hurricanes' recent playoff run against the New York Rangers.
Off-ice issues also plagued Kuznetsov, notably a suspension in 2019 for inappropriate conduct and a subsequent ban from international play following a positive cocaine test. More recently, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program earlier this year, aiming to address personal challenges. Upon his clearance to return to practice, the Capitals attempted to rejuvenate his career by placing him on waivers and subsequently sending him to their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, before the trade to Carolina.
Drafted 26th overall by the Capitals in 2010, Kuznetsov has amassed impressive NHL numbers: 206 goals, 442 assists, and a total of 648 points across regular season and playoff games since his debut in 2014. His journey through the league has been marked by both stellar performances on the ice and tumultuous moments off it, contributing to his reputation as a polarizing figure in the hockey world.
As Kuznetsov navigates the next phase of his career, whether in the KHL or elsewhere, his departure from Carolina signals the end of a chapter for both player and team. The Hurricanes, now freed from his contract, look ahead to reshaping their roster as they pursue future successes in the NHL.
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