The Carolina Hurricanes terminated the contract of Evgeny Kuznetsov earlier this month as the forward has plans to return to Russia and play with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He intends to sign a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg once the team clears enough cap space for him. According to Match TV, Kuznetsov will supposedly make 92 million rubles per season or $1.1 million USD. This amount is a major cut from the $7.8 million he would have made if he remained in the NHL and finished the last year of his contract. However, with Kuznetsov terminating his contract, the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes have each opened up $3.9 million in cap space, hopefully allowing them to sign more players of their own.
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Before playing in the NHL, Kuznetsov played for KHL Traktor Chelyabinsk, his hometown team. He was with them for five seasons, starting in 2009 and leaving in 2014 for his debut in the NHL. He also skated in various IIHF Championships. He won gold in both the 2011 IIHF World Junior and 2014 World Championships, as well as silver in the 2009 IIHF U18 World and 2012 World Junior Championships.
Kuznetsov played the last 11 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Washington Capitals, who he was drafted by as the 26th overall pick in 2010. Over the years, he has been an important star player for the Capitals, typically being a high-scoring player when he chooses to be. Over his career, he has tallied 575 points over 743 career games as well as 73 points over 77 playoff games.
He was especially a key player during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he led the postseason with 32 points (12 goals and 20 assists), leading Washington to their first Stanley Cup. Also during the same playoff run, he had one of the most iconic goals in Capitals history. Kuznetsov had scored an overtime goal that took the Pittsburgh Penguins out of the playoffs, who had won the prior two Stanley Cups. He will forever be remembered by the Washington Capitals as a part of the team’s legacy.
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Despite typically being a great player on the ice, Kuznetsov did have his struggles off the ice. Back in 2019, he had tested positive for cocaine during the IIHF World Championships. The IIHF proceeded to suspend him for four years from playing internationally because cocaine is seen as “performance-enhancing” by the IIHF. Kuznetsov was also suspended from playing three NHL regular-season games, not because of his use of cocaine, but rather because he had denied using it at all.
His most recent issues came this season when he entered the NHL Player Assistance Program (NHLPA) in February and requested to leave the Capitals. His wish was granted in March when he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, with whom he would finish the 2023-24 season. This last season was Kuznetsov’s worst season ever, only scoring 24 points over 63 games between the Capitals and the Canes.
Due to his struggles this last year in the NHL, it is not entirely surprising that Kuznetsov is ready to leave the league behind. And although he may not be paid as much in the KHL, hopefully, the forward will be both happier and healthier back in Russia.
Edited by Breanna Ebisch
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