Evgeny Kuznetsov set to terminate contract with Carolina Hurricanes: Reports

Evgeny Kuznetsov had a rough season with the Carolina Hurricanes, including spending some time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Now, he is reportedly going back to the KHL. Championat.com says Kuznetsov will sign a four-year deal with SKA Saint Petersburg.

The Russian forward has one season left on his $7.8 million per year contract but is expected to be waived by the Carolina Hurricanes to facilitate his move to SKA St. Petersburg. This decision allows him to be closer to family and potentially play a more prominent role in Russia's hockey scene.

"As Championat has learned, forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will return to Russia and sign a contract with SKA. The term of the agreement is four years." via Arina Nuriakhmetova of Championat (Translated by Google)

In the 2023–24 season split between the Washington Capitals and Hurricanes, he scored 24 points in 63 games. Despite scoring well in previous seasons and winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, his performance declined.

After being traded to Carolina on request, he endeared himself to fans and described the opportunity as a cherished final chance in the NHL.

“Wanted to thank for the people that made that happen on both sides. Came in trying to be me, trying to help the team win. It’s a lot of emotions, right? I’m feeling very grateful for opportunity to be here and still playing in the NHL,” Kuznetsov said via (RMNB on MARCH 8, 2024).

"For now, I play for Washington, but you can never predict what will happen in the future,” Kuznetsov added.

Carolina Hurricanes sign defenseman Joakim Ryan for the 2024–25 season

On Sunday, the Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Joakim Ryan to a one-year contract for the 2024–25 season. He will earn $775,000 if he plays in the NHL and $110,000 if he plays in the AHL.

Ryan has played 145 NHL games with San Jose, Los Angeles and Carolina, scoring 24 points. He also contributed in the playoffs, recording one assist in 23 games.

In the AHL, Ryan played 144 games, scoring 83 points. For the past three seasons, he played in Sweden's SHL, where he tallied 64 points in 156 games and served as an alternate captain.

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky welcomed Ryan and pointed to his veteran leadership and prior tenure with the team in 2020–21.

"We are glad to have Joakim back in Carolina after his time here in 2020-21,” Tulsky said (via NHL.com). “His veteran leadership and experience at the highest levels will be a great asset to our organization.”

Ryan played college hockey at Cornell, scoring 78 points in four seasons and earning All-ECAC First Team accolades in 2014–15. He was recruited by San Jose in 2012 and has represented Sweden in international events, winning bronze at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.