Evgeny Kuznetsov Clears Waivers

Evgeny Kuznetsov had his contract terminated on Thursday after clearing unconditional waivers, bringing an abrupt end to the talented but inconsistent center's NHL career, at least for the time being.

The Carolina Hurricanes placed Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers Wednesday with the intention of terminating his deal. By agreeing to the mutual termination, Kuznetsov walks away from the $6 million salary owed to him in the final season of his $64.2 million, seven-year contract signed in 2017.

«Ultimately, both sides agreed this was the best course of action for both the player and the team,» general manager Eric Tulsky said. «We thank Evgeny for his time with the team and wish him and his family the best.»

Reports earlier in the week suggested Kuznetsov planned to terminate his contract and return to Russia to play for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL. He and his camp had to agree to such a move for this to happen now, unless the Hurricanes waited for a buyout window to open later this summer when one of their restricted free agent arbitration cases was settled.

Kuznetsov's agent, Craig Oster, had not responded to a message seeking comment on the mutual termination or clarity on his client's future.

While an arbitration hearing remains on the docket for Martin Necas, Carolina re-signed Jack Drury to a two-year contract worth $3.45 million on Wednesday. They must still secure a contract for forward Seth Jarvis with just under $14 million in salary cap space.

«Jack took tremendous steps last season to solidify himself as a key part of our forward group,» Tulsky said of Drury. «He is an extremely hard worker at both ends of the ice who can be relied upon in all situations, and we are excited to watch his continued growth in Carolina.»

The Hurricanes' offseason included departures of key players such as Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Stefan Noesen�plus now Kuznetsov.

Carolina acquired Kuznetsov from Washington before the trade deadline in March, with the Capitals agreeing to retain half of his $7.8 million cap hit. His departure from North America removes the $3.9 million cap obligation for each team.

Kuznetsov was the leading scorer and Conn Smythe runner-up during the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup run but has been inconsistent since, often the subject of trade rumors and speculation. He had 13 points in 30 games in a limited role with the Hurricanes, who reached the second round. Coach Rod Brind'Amour even made Kuznetsov a healthy scratch during a playoff game against the New York Rangers.

Inconsistency plagued Kuznetsov, who famously said in October 2018 he did not care about being a top-five player in hockey.

«To be MVP, you have to work hard 365 days a year, but I'm not ready for that," Kuznetsov said. "I want to have fun and make those risky plays. But to be MVP in this league, you have to play even better and stay focused 365 days, but that's not my style.»

Kuznetsov faced off-ice troubles as well. The league suspended him for three games in September 2019 for «inappropriate conduct,» less than a month after he was banned from playing for Russia for four years due to a positive test for cocaine.

Kuznetsov recently entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February. Upon being cleared to practice, the Capitals placed him on waivers hoping to give him a fresh start, then sent him to the minors. Before playing a game for the AHL's Hershey Bears, Kuznetsov was traded to Carolina for a 2025 third-round pick.

Kuznetsov, the 26th pick in the 2010 draft by Washington, has 206 goals and 442 assists for 648 points in 840 regular-season and playoff games since making his NHL debut in 2014.