Washington Sees the Return of Evgeny Kuznetsov Only Two Weeks Following the Trade
This season, “Kuzy” will be the second Hurricanes player to make his first trip back to Washington.
Ryan Henkelmar 22, 2024, 11:56 a.m. Eastern
At this year’s trade deadline, the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Russian centerman Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals, a player who had lost favor with his team.
After being released and then sent to the AHL, Kuznetsov had just served time in the NHL’s player assistance program.
He was in dire need of a change of scenery, and Carolina was willing to oblige, sending him a third-round selection in 2025.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life and to be here,” Kuznetsov remarked. “That was something that I was looking for and it’s a perfect match for me.”
Kuznetsov’s relationship with the Capitals will never truly go away, even though his first eight games in Carolina have seen him score two goals and pick up five points.
He scored 568 points in nearly 700 games throughout his tenure with the franchise, but most importantly, he helped the team win its inaugural Stanley Cup in 2018, finishing first in the league in postseason scoring with 32 points.
For Kuznetsov, Washington held particular significance.
In addition to raising a Stanley Cup there, he raised his family and many friends there.
He would always carry with him the memories of his friends, family, and both positive and negative experiences that made up a significant portion of his life.
In his first news conference with the Carolina media, Kuznetsov remarked, “I want to say thanks to the whole Caps organization and the fans.” “Eleven years passed. My two children were born there. I love that city with all of my heart. I regret to inform you that I must depart in that manner, but such is life. My life is free of regrets. I will keep in mind, for the remainder of
My life, that period of time. It was incredible. Wonderful memories, both happy and sad. a variety of recollections
Now, two weeks after the trade, he makes his comeback in what will almost surely be a very emotional and painful scene.
Not only will Kuznetsov be the only Hurricane to receive a standing ovation and welcome back honor, but on January 5th, teammate and best buddy Dmitry Orlov was also given the same treatment.
Kuznetsov’s final two years in Washington didn’t turn out the way anybody had hoped or anticipated, but he has acknowledged that and accepted full responsibility for his conduct.
Even though he wants to keep going forward, he will never forget the past.
“My intention was never to evade responsibility for my past misdeeds. I never looked back on those. It’s a great life lesson, in my opinion, and I’ve learnt a lot. This is the final chance I have. This is my final opportunity. Right now, I am in charge of everything.”
But maybe he can just spend tonight, if only briefly, thinking back on all the good times he’s had with a city that will always remember the ‘Birdman.
