Carolina Hurricanes Terminate Forward Evgeny Kuznetsov's Contract

RALEIGH, NC - In a surprising move, the Carolina Hurricanes have placed forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. Kuznetsov, who was acquired by the Hurricanes just over a month ago from the Washington Capitals, had one season remaining on his contract.

The 32-year-old Russian forward joined the Canes on March 8, in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft. As part of the deal, the Capitals retained 50% of Kuznetsov's salary. However, the player and team decided that terminating the contract was in their best interests.

Carolina Hurricanes General Manager, Eric Tulsky, expressed gratitude for Kuznetsov's time with the team, saying, "Ultimately both sides agreed this was the best course of action for both the player and the team. We thank Evgeny for his contributions and wish him and his family the best."

During his brief stint with the Hurricanes, Kuznetsov appeared in 20 regular season games, tallying two goals and five assists, resulting in a total of seven points. In the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he managed to score four goals and provide two assists, accumulating six points across 10 games.

The termination of Kuznetsov's contract means that his remaining season, which had an average annual value (AAV) of $3.9 million for the Canes after Washington's retained salary, will no longer be in effect.

The Carolina Hurricanes organization has not shared any details regarding the reasons for this contract termination. As the news of Kuznetsov's departure spreads, fans and analysts are left speculating on what the future holds for the player and the team.

Carolina Hurricanes fans will have to wait and see how the team adjusts to the loss of Kuznetsov and what moves they may make to fill the void left by his departure.