In a surprising move, the Carolina Hurricanes have acquired forward Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals. The Caps will retain 50% of Kuznetsov's salary, while the Hurricanes will give up a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The 31-year-old Russian has had a challenging season, being recently put on waivers by the Capitals. Despite going unclaimed, he was assigned to the Hershey Bears of the AHL. Kuznetsov has recorded 17 points (6g, 11a) in 43 NHL games this season, and in the previous season, he tallied 55 points (12G, 43A) in 82 games.

Kuznetsov has one more year remaining on his current contract after this season, making him a valuable asset for the Hurricanes. Carolina's President and General Manager, Don Waddell, expressed enthusiasm about adding Kuznetsov to the team, acknowledging his high-level playmaking skills and offensive prowess.

The 6'2", 207-pound forward has accumulated an impressive 568 points (171g, 397a) in 723 career NHL games, all with the Capitals. He has consistently reached the 50-point mark in seven of his last nine campaigns. Since his first full NHL season in 2014-15, Kuznetsov ranks fourth in assists (391) and power-play assists (120), as well as fifth in points (559) and power-play points (167) among all Russian-born players.

Furthermore, Kuznetsov brings valuable playoff experience to the Hurricanes. He has tallied 67 points (29g, 38a) in 87 career playoff games and was a key contributor to the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory in the 2017-18 season, leading the league in both assists (20) and points (32) during that memorable postseason run.

Prior to his NHL career, Kuznetsov played 210 games in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk from 2009-2014, posting 146 points (65g, 81a) and serving as an alternate captain in the 2013-14 season. He has also represented Russia in various international competitions, including three IIHF World Junior Championships and six IIHF World Championships, winning gold in 2012 and 2014.

Selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round, 26th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft, Kuznetsov has become a well-established player with a strong presence on the ice. The Carolina Hurricanes are hopeful that a fresh start in a new environment will revitalize Kuznetsov's game and add another dimension of offensive firepower to their lineup.

With the acquisition of Kuznetsov, the Hurricanes aim to solidify their position as contenders in the NHL and create a formidable force as they approach the upcoming postseason.