Evgeny Kuznetsov returning to Russia is a win for all parties after a tough year

The 2023-24 season was a very rough season for Evgeny Kuznetsov. He missed a decent chunk of the season in the players' assistance program. He experienced his first move, being shipped from the Capitals to the Hurricanes at the trade deadline. He suffered the least productive season of his career, scoring eight goals and 24 points in 68 games with Washington and Carolina. While Kuznetsov showed flashes in the postseason, including an exhilarating penalty shot in the first round, it was tough sledding for the winger.

With one year remaining on his current deal, news broke last week that Kuznetsov was being courted by SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL in Russia. While it was simply speculation, the Hurricanes placed Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers on Wednesday to terminate his contract, and he cleared on Thursday, setting the stage for the Russian to sign in his home country. Though it brings a surprising end to the saga, it's a win for everyone involved.

The Capitals unloaded Kuznetsov for a good draft pick

Evgeny Kuznetsov's run with the Washington Capitals from 2013 to 2023 was good. He surpassed 75 points three times in the US capital, including a career-high 83 points in 2017-18. That same year, Kuznetsov led the league in postseason scoring with 32 points, helping the Capitals win the Stanley Cup.

As good as most of his run was, there were some hiccups. He struggled with consistency on both ends of the ice. He also has a 2019 suspension that hangs over his head. His bad start to the year eventually led the Capitals to trade him to the Canes for a 2025 third-round pick while retaining half his $7.8 million cap hit.

What it boils down to is Washington traded a player who hadn't been performing and didn't stick around for long in his new place for a mid-round draft. Now, they don't have to worry about paying what he was owed either. The Capitals come out of it looking pretty good, even if it brought the end of an era that will long be remembered for his series-winning overtime winner over the Penguins in 2018.

The Hurricanes freed up some cap space

With their additions of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline, the Hurricanes signaled that they were going all-in on the Stanley Cup this season. Unfortunately, that hope was dashed in the second round by the Rangers. The Kuznetsov deal felt like a low-risk, high-reward move for the Canes, and it did provide some fun moments.

Kuznetsov's inconsistency issues followed him to Raleigh. He started strong before becoming invisible to end the regular season. Kuznetsov was very good to begin the postseason but was relegated to being a healthy scratch for a game during the Canes' series with the Rangers. It wasn't the best ending to the season for Kuznetsov.

The biggest thing the Hurricanes gain from Kuznetsov's departure is some much-needed cap space. With Seth Jarvis still needing an extension and a potential deal to keep Martin Necas in Raleigh feeling more likely, it provides a little flexibility for a team that is likely to be pushing against the cap ceiling. The Canes did start to use some of that space by giving Jack Drury a new deal.

Kuznetsov gets a fresh start

The human element can't be lost in this story. While the teams are going to benefit from draft picks and cap space, this could be an excellent reset for Evgeny Kuznetsov. There is no denying that he had a bad year, personally and professionally. Becoming a free agent after having his contract terminated, Kuznetsov is likely to return to Russia on a multi-year deal, allowing him to be closer to home.

While the deal hasn't been made official for Kuznetsov to play for SKA St. Petersburg, it's likely to come. If it's four years, like it was reported to be earlier in the week, this will be ample time for Kuznetsov to get some things sorted out if a return to the NHL is the end goal. If a comeback tour isn't what Kuznetsov is aiming for, it brings the end to a decent NHL career. In the end, he's a Stanley Cup champion with one of the most iconic penalty shot/shootout moves in league history. He was a fun player to watch at his best, and there is still plenty of great hockey ahead for him.