Former star Evgeny Kuznetsov to walk away from eight million dollars
Evgeny Kuznetsov, currently a member of the Carolina Hurricanes and once one of the league's top offensive stars while a member of the Washington Capitals, is reportedly walking away from the final year of his contract to sign a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.
If he were to make the move, Kuznetsov would effectively be leaving the final year of his contract on the table and would have to forfeit the $8 million he stands to be paid this season.
For both the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals - who retained 50% of their contract in a trade last season - Kuznetsov, exiting the KHL, would open up $3.9 million in cap space.
Kuznetsov was once one of the league's top offensive stars. His 2017-18 season was highlighted by his scoring 83 points in 79 games and 32 points in 24 playoff games en route to a Washington Capitals Stanley Cup Finals victory.
However, off-ice issues and questionable commitment have effectively derailed the center's career. Last season, he was shipped to Carolina but had trouble fitting in.
While there's undoubtedly some smoke, Kuznetsov's agent, Shumi Babaev, has stated nothing is imminent.
Kuznetsov and the Hurricanes would have to work out a mutual termination, but it's possible that his days in the NHL are over.
Source: championat.com
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Kuznetsov's agent comments on information about the player's imminent transfer to SKA
| POLL | ||
Do you think losing Evgeny Kuznetsov will be a big blow to the Hurricanes? | ||
| Yes, he adds experience and depth scoring | 131 | 41.3 % |
| No, they can use his $3.9 million better elsewhere | 186 | 58.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
