Evgeny Kuznetsov Opts Out of NHL Contract, Makes KHL Comeback

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

The Carolina Hurricanes ended Evgeny Kuznetsov's NHL contract on Wednesday by placing him on unconditional waivers. Kuznetsov had been due $6 million out of his $8 million salary for the last season of his seven-year, $64.2 million contract signed in 2017.

General Manager Eric Tulsky mentioned that both parties believed this decision was the best move for the player and the team, expressing gratitude for Kuznetsov's contributions to the Hurricanes.

Kuznetsov, acquired from Washington in March, intended to mutually terminate his contract to play for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL. This action relieves both teams from any salary cap responsibilities.

Kuznetsov, who played a key role in the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, has faced challenges since then, including limited appearances with the Hurricanes. His career included a suspension for inappropriate conduct in 2019 and a ban from playing for Russia due to a positive cocaine test.

He participated in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February and was traded to Carolina for a third-round draft selection before joining the Hershey Bears.

Chosen 26th in the 2010 draft, Kuznetsov has accumulated 648 points over 840 regular-season and playoff games since his NHL debut in 2014.

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