New development:Evgeny Kuznetsova set to revitalize his career at Carolina Hurricanes

With the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline officially over, lots of moves were made that had people talking. One included centerman Evgeny Kuznetsov being shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes by the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 3rd-round pick.

The 31-year-old Russian forward spent 10 seasons in Washington, contributing significantly to their Stanley Cup win in 2018. He recorded 32 points in 24 playoff games that year and was seen by many as being a runner-up for the Conn Smythe award.

He was part of a dominant Capitals core alongside forwards such as Nicklas Backstrom and fellow Russian and franchise goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin. In short, Kuznetsov’s years in Washington were a success before things came crashing down…

Kuznetsov reportedly requested a trade out of the club as he was looking for a change of scenery. Reports suggested that he was looking for more “offensive freedom” as in the 2022-23 season, his goal production was cut in half as he scored 12 goals and 55 points in 72 games.

Kuznetsov has also faced various issues off the ice. In 2019, he tested positive for illegal substances which resulted in a four-year suspension from the IIHF Hockey Championships. He was also suspended for three regular season games that same year for “inappropriate conduct.”

Focusing on the 2023-24 season, it has been nothing short of a disaster for Kuznetsov. In 43 games, the Russian forward has recorded just a measly six goals and 17 points, a huge drop-off from past seasons. He also admitted himself into the NHL Player Assistance program and was later placed on waivers hours after being cleared from the program, in a move that shocked many.

His assignment to the AHL was seen as being a chance for a fresh start, according to Capitals GM Brain MacLellan: