Athletistic / Hockey. Journalist of the famous North American publication ESPN Kristen Shilton devoted an article to the transition of Russian forward Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals to the Carolina Hurricanes. The 31-year-old Russian was traded to the Hurricanes on March 8.

“Kuznetsov was so happy to be in Carolina that he attended their practice on Friday – the day the Hurricanes traded him from Washington. It’s clear that Evgeniy wants to get to work. Why shouldn’t he do it. The center desperately needed a new challenge, and he got it on a team poised for a deep playoff run.

Kuznetsov in 2018 was worthy of the Conn Smythe Trophy (an award given to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup. – Rating Athletistic) and became Washington’s leader in playoff scoring when the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018. Since then, he has not shown such successful results in seasons, and this season was difficult for him not only on the ice, but also off it. However, “Carolina” isn’t expecting a stellar turn from Kuznetsov; they need him to complement high-level hockey talent. It’s an ideal position for Kuznetsov, who has spent much of this season trying to live up to the expectations of Washington’s front office.

It’s clear that Kuznetsov is no longer (and may never be) the player he once was, but that doesn’t mean he can’t find a role in Carolina that brings out the skills that he once owned. Shilton said in the article.

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s first game for Carolina could be March 9, when Rod Brindamore’s team meets the New Jersey Devils on the road. The starting faceoff will take place at 8:30 p.m. Moscow time.

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract with Carolina is valid until the end of the 2024/2025 season. His salary is $7.8 million per season. Note that Washington will continue to pay him 50% of the Russian’s salary.



Athletistic