Evgeny Kuznetsov Does the Carolina Hurricanes Dirty, Returning to the KHL
Photo credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
In a summer marked by significant changes and challenges, the Carolina Hurricanes are bracing for yet another loss.
News has surfaced that Evgeny Kuznetsov is planning to cut short his stint with the Hurricanes to pursue a career back in his home country, signing a new contract with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
The exit of Evgeny Kuznetsov adds to a growing list of departures that the Hurricanes have had to endure this off-season. Following a disappointing playoff run, which saw them ousted in the second round, the team has witnessed a steady exodus of key players including Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, and Stefan Noesen. Kuznetsov's decision aligns with this trend, leaving a notable gap in the team's lineup.
According to reports from championat.com, the 32-year-old center is terminating his current contract with the Hurricanes to ink a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. Kuznetsov, who was brought in from the Washington Capitals before the trade deadline in a deal that saw the Capitals retain 50% of his salary, had a remaining cap hit of 7.8 million beyond the 2023-24 season.
Must read on MapleLeafsLatest
Kuznetsov's time in the NHL has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Between 2015 and 2019, he was a prolific scorer for the Capitals, racking up 87 goals and 291 points in 319 games, and playing a pivotal role in their 2018 Stanley Cup victory. During that postseason, he led the league in points and emerged as a key figure in securing the Capitals their first championship.
However, the following seasons brought challenges for Kuznetsov. His production dipped significantly, with just 53 goals and 186 points from 2020 to 2023. His last season was particularly tough, managing only 24 points across 63 games, and contributing minimally after his move to the Hurricanes.
As Kuznetsov transitions back to the KHL, he joins an SKA St. Petersburg team that mirrored his most recent NHL squad in some ways�finishing second in the league but faltering in the second round of the playoffs. With 402 assists and 575 points in 743 NHL games, Kuznetsov brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of postseason performance that could be pivotal for SKA's ambitions in the upcoming seasons.
The move marks a significant shift for both Kuznetsov and the Hurricanes. As he returns to familiar ground in Russia, the Hurricanes are left to regroup and rethink strategies in the wake of their changing roster dynamics. This transition period will be crucial for both Kuznetsov's future in the KHL and the Hurricanes' hopes to rebuild and return stronger in the next NHL season.
Previously on MapleLeafsLatest
| POLL |
15 JUILLET | 42 ANSWERS Evgeny Kuznetsov Does the Carolina Hurricanes Dirty, Returning to the KHL Was it a good thing for the Hurricanes that Kuznetsov ended his contract? |
| Yes, he wasn't worth his cap hit anymore | 33 | 78.6 % |
| No, they desperately needed offensive depth | 9 | 21.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
Latest 10 stories
