On Monday, one of the New York Rangers’ main rivals in the Metropolitan Division suffered a significant roster loss.
According to a Russian report, Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract with the Carolina Hurricanes will be terminated so he can sign a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. The 32-year-old, known for his unpredictable style, was expected to be Carolina’s second-line center next season, his last before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the NHL.
Kuznetsov’s departure adds to the Hurricanes’ offseason woes. They will also lose top-nine forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Stefan Noesen, who signed with other teams during free agency, and star forward Jake Guentzel, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning as he planned to leave the Hurricanes as a free agent.
Additionally, top-four defensemen Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei left as free agents on July 1, and projected second-line forward Martin Necas, a restricted free agent who filed for salary arbitration, is seeking a trade.
This upheaval is significant for the Hurricanes, who have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for six consecutive seasons, winning at least one round each time. Last season, they finished second in the Metropolitan Division, three points behind the Rangers. They defeated the Islanders in five games in the first round before being eliminated by the Rangers in six games in the second round.
The Rangers have eliminated the Hurricanes from the playoffs in two of the past three seasons, including the second round in 2022.
Rangers rival reportedly losing Evgeny Kuznetsov to KHL
Kuznetsov experienced considerable upheaval this past season. He faced significant challenges with the Washington Capitals, entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, and was assigned to the AHL upon reinstatement. Ahead of the trade deadline, he was traded to the Hurricanes for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The 2018 Stanley Cup champion and four-time 20-goal scorer managed only 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 63 games with the Capitals and Hurricanes last season, marking the lowest output of his 10 full NHL seasons.
Despite his struggles in the regular season, Kuznetsov showed flashes of brilliance in the playoffs, recording four goals and six points in 10 games, including goals in Games 4 and 5 of their second-round series against the Rangers. Throughout his career, Kuznetsov has accumulated 73 points (33 goals, 40 assists) in 97 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Since each team paid half of his salary, the Hurricanes and Capitals will each save $3.9 million against the salary cap if his contract is terminated.
It would be intriguing to watch if the Hurricanes shift Necas, assuming he is not dealt, to the middle or if Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who plays in the bottom six, moves up to center the second line. Additionally, Jack Roslovic, a forward who was previously with the Rangers and signed with the Hurricanes this offseason, has the potential to move to the center.
Jordan Staal, the captain, and Sebastian Aho form the cornerstone of Carolina’s checking third line.