"This has Kyle Dubas’ name all over it": NHL fans react as Evgeny Kuznetsov hits free agency market following contract termination

On Thursday, reports confirmed that Evgeny Kuznetsov and the Carolina Hurricanes had parted ways after the team put the former Stanley Cup Champion on unconditional waivers earlier in the week. The decision had reportedly been in the works for some time, with rumors indicating that Kuznetsov would be headed back to the KHL, according to the Russian outlet Championat.

Although there had been some conflicting accounts regarding the situation, the report earlier in the week indicated that Kuznetsov would be signing a four-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg. At the time, it was made clear that the deal was dependent on Kuznetsov successfully clearing waivers.

On Thursday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm that Evgeny Kuznetsov had successfully cleared unconditional waivers and was free to sign with whatever team he wanted.

While the expectation remains that he will sign with SKA Saint Petersburg and return to the KHL, NHL fans were quick to react to the news.

"This has Kyle Dubas’ name all over it," one fan wrote.

"Party time!" - Another joked.

"No team was going to claim him since it has been known what he intended to do." - One wrote, referencing the news of Kuznetsov returning to the KHL.

Others reflected on his NHL career and the "what if" that will forever surround it:

"That dude could have been one of the all-time Russian players in the NHL. In 5 years, nobody will but Caps fans will remember him and it’ll only be when they’re sitting around talking about the Cup run on 2018." - One wrote.

"The rightful 2018 Conn Smythe winner," another fan added.

Others joked about Kuznetsov's next step:

"He’s a Guangdong Tiger," one fan wrote.

"And just like that the cocaine cowboy rides off into the sunset," another quipped.

One fan wished him luck in his future endeavors:

"Best of luck to Kuzy, loved seeing the penalty shot live against the Islanders! 🦅🦅🦅"

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky opens up on decision to part ways with Evgeny Kuznetsov

Evgeny Kuznetsov's time in Carolina was brief. After spending the entirety of his NHL career with the Washington Capitals alongside Alexander Ovechkin, Kuznetsov signed with the Carolina Hurricanes midway through last year.

The move came after Kuznetsov entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program in February. Following a month-long stint in the program, after being reinstated by the NHL, the Washington Capitals made the decision to waive Evgeny Kuznetsov.

He ultimately signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in March, shortly after being waived by the Capitals, playing 20 regular season games and 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games prior to the team's elimination in the second round to the New York Rangers.

On Wednesday, Carolina GM Eric Tulsky released a statement via the Hurricane's website about the mutual decision between the team and Evgeny Kuznetsov to part ways:

"Ultimately both sides agreed this was the best course of action for both the player and the team. We thank Evgeny for his time with the team and wish him and his family the best."

As a result of the move, the team now has an additional $3.9M of cap space to work with this offseason as they hope to bolster their roster for the 2024-25 NHL season.