Evgeny Kuznetsov

Lore & Background

Kuznetsov made his professional debut in the 2009–10 season with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL. He was selected 26th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2010 NHL entry draft. He signed an entry-level contract with the Capitals on 8 March 2014 and scored his first NHL goal on 25 March 2014, a short-handed goal against the Los Angeles Kings. During the 2015–16 season, he was named to his first All-Star Game as a replacement for Alexander Ovechkin. On 2 July 2017, he re-signed with the Capitals to an eight-year, $62.4 million contract. In the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, he recorded 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points, the most by any player in a single postseason since Evgeni Malkin in 2009. His series-clinching overtime winner in game six against the Pittsburgh Penguins secured the Capitals' first Eastern Conference Finals berth since 1998. He lost the Conn Smythe Trophy to Alex Ovechkin, receiving five first-place votes and 13 second-place votes. On 14 September 2019, the NHL suspended him three games for cocaine use after video surfaced showing him at a table with what appeared to be lines of cocaine. On 5 February 2024, he entered the NHL Player Assistance Program; he was cleared to return on 2 March, waived by the Capitals hours later, and loaned to the Hershey Bears of the AHL. On 8 March 2024, before playing a game with Hershey, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round draft pick. With the Hurricanes, he posted 2 goals and 7 points in 20 regular-season games, and 4 goals and 6 points in 10 playoff appearances. On 17 July 2024, the Hurricanes placed him on unconditional waivers for the purpose of mutually terminating his contract; after going unclaimed, he became a free agent.

Reader's Guide

Kuznetsov's tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes was brief, spanning the final 20 games of the 2023–24 regular season and 10 playoff games. He was acquired from the Washington Capitals on 8 March 2024 in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. During the regular season with Carolina, he recorded 2 goals and 7 points. In the playoffs, he contributed 4 goals and 6 points as the Hurricanes reached the second round. His time with the team ended on 17 July 2024, when the Hurricanes placed him on unconditional waivers to mutually terminate his contract, which had one season remaining. After going unclaimed, he became a free agent and subsequently returned to the KHL. Kuznetsov is remembered for his high hockey IQ and accurate passing, as noted by teammates and coaches, and for his bird celebration that he debuted at the 2016 World Cup and revived during the 2018 playoffs. He was considered one of the most accurate passers in the game, with teammate Tom Wilson stating, 'He just tells me to put my stick on the ice and he'll hit it.'

Did You Know?

• He is nicknamed 'the Birdman' for his bird celebration, which he lifted from the FIFA soccer video game.
• He won gold medals at the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, 2012 IIHF World Championship, and 2014 IIHF World Championship.
• His four assists in game four of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final made him only the fourth NHL player to record that many in a finals game.