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3 reasons why Evgeny Kuznetsov terminated his Hurricanes contract for a KHL return
The Carolina Hurricanes announced the placement of Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers, The Hockey News reported. The move corresponds with Kuznetsov’s desire to return to his native Russia to play in the KHL. In the meantime, the Hurricanes expect Kuznetsov to clear waivers, allowing the club to terminate his contract.
With Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract terminated, the Hurricanes shed his $7.8 million cap hit for next season. The cap relief is welcome, as they still have several RFAs to sign, including Martin Necas.
As for Kuznetsov, he heads back to Russia to presumably continue his hockey career. With that in mind, here are three reasons why Evgeny Kuznetsov terminated his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Three reasons why Evgeny Kuznetsov terminated his NHL contract
#3 Diminished role in the NHL
After several successful seasons with the Washington Capitals, Evgeny Kuznetsov faced challenges in DC. The struggles led Kuznetsov to join the Player Assistance program last season. After leaving it, the Caps placed him in waivers.
The Hurricanes claimed Kuznetsov, allowing him to get a fresh start. In 20 regular-season games, he notched up seven points. Kuznetsov added six points in 10 playoff games, but his role was greatly diminished in Carolina, mostly skating on the fourth line.
As such, it’s fairly evident Kuznetsov would like to play a more prominent role, but that doesn’t seem likely in the NHL.
#2 A fresh start back home
Kuznetsov’s cap hit was a serious burden on the Hurricanes. Such a cap hit made him untradeable, creating somewhat of an awkward situation for both sides.
However, heading back to Russia would allow Kuznetsov to get a fresh start with a KHL club that could use a player of skill and experience. According to The Hockey News, Kuznetsov has several offers from KHL clubs, including SKA St. Petersburg.
Eventually, heading to the KHL could be the right situation to push the reset button.
#1 It’s unlikely other NHL clubs are interested
Lastly, it seems unlikely that Kuznetsov would find a home with another NHL club unless he accepted a league-minimum deal. Even if he did, there’s was guarantee that he could fit in well enough to become an effective NHLer.
It’s quite possible that Kuznetsov might get sent down to the AHL if he becomes unproductive at the NHL level. In contrast, playing in the KHL would allow Kuznetsov an opportunity to rediscover his game. Who knows, Kuznetsov could still make an NHL comeback after a couple of successful seasons in the KHL.
For now, it seems that Evgeny Kuznetsov will be saying goodbye to North America after playing 743 NHL games, tallying 575 points.
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