NHL Rumors: Evgeny Kuznetsov Traded to Hurricanes from Capitals for 3rd-Round Pick

Evgeny Kuznetsov's run with the Washington Capitals has come to an end after 11 seasons.

Per TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Capitals are trading Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round draft pick.

Washington is picking up 50 percent of the remaining money left on Kuznetsov's contract, which includes a $7.8 million cap hit in 2024-25.

Kuznetsov hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 27 due to personal reasons. He entered the NHL/NHLPA personal assistance program in February, but Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said at the time he didn't have specific information to share about the situation:

"There's not a lot of background of what we know. There's not a lot of background information that they share with us, other than just the fact that he's in the program. So, for us, as organization, staff, players, it's just supporting him and his family as he gets the help that he needs."

The 31-year-old was cleared by the program to return to practice on March 2. The Capitals announced that same day they waived Kuznetsov.

After going unclaimed on waivers, Washington loaned him to the team's AHL affiliate in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He has practiced with the Hershey Bears twice this week, most recently on Thursday.

Kuznetsov had not yet been cleared to play in a game by the NHL/NHLPA personal assistance program. It's unclear when he might make his debut for the Hurricanes.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan noted Carolina only recently entered into talks with the Capitals for Kuznetsov, and the Hurricanes view him as a "high end" top-six player if the trade works out as they hope.

Kuznetsov only had 17 points in 43 games this season before stepping away from the Capitals. He has 568 points in 723 career games since making his debut during the 2013-14 season.

The Hurricanes are pushing all of their chips into the table for a chance to win a Stanley Cup. Their 80 points are tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the fourth-most in the Eastern Conference.

Carolina was swept by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Panthers (43-17-4) and New York Rangers (40-18-4) are the only teams in the conference with more wins than the Hurricanes' 37.