Hurricanes acquire Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Capitals
On Friday, the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Capitals through trade. Prior to that, the veteran Washington center was placed on waivers and assigned to the team’s AHL club.
The Capitals will keep 50% of Kuznetsov’s contract in addition to receiving a third-round pick in 2025. The 31-year-old Kuznetsov has a contract that runs through the 2024–25 season. His actual debt is $8 million, with a total cap hit of $7.8 million.
The Hurricanes are all-in this season after holding out until the deadline last year, having acquired Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel on Thursday night. If it works out, Carolina sees Kuznetsov as a high-end top-six prospect.
“Evgeny is a top-tier facilitator who will enhance our offensive capability,” stated Don Waddell, general manager of the Hurricanes. “He brings even more playoff experience to our lineup, and we’re excited to give him a fresh start in Carolina.”
Shortly after the NHL and the players’ union announced that Kuznetsov had advanced in the player assistance program to the point where he could practice with the Capitals, Kuznetsov was placed on waivers on Saturday. For over a year, Washington had been considering a trade for Kuznetsov because they both believed a change of scenery may be advantageous.
The organization’s first Stanley Cup win in 2018 will be the most memorable aspect of Kuznetsov’s time in Washington. The Russian center earned more points than any other player for Washington during their playoff run, and he is most remembered for scoring the overtime winner that won the series against the Penguins, the club the Capitals could never seem to defeat.
Nevertheless, Kuznetsov has had a difficult season. Prior to taking a leave of absence last month to enroll in the player assistance program, he had only 17 points in 43 games.
Prior to the transfer, Kuznetsov was scheduled to play on Friday night for the Hershey Bears in the minor leagues.
The Capitals, who are still vying for a playoff spot, are attempting to quickly reorganize their roster. Earlier in the week, the team also dealt Joel Edmundson to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anthony Mantha to the Vegas Golden Knights.
26 draft picks will be available to Washington during the following three years.
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