The Carolina Hurricanes are certainly making a splash this trade deadline as they've now acquired Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
Kuznetsov will have 50% of his $7.8 million AAV retained by the Capitals, making his cap impact just $3.9 million for Carolina. He also has an additional year remaining on his contract after this one.
The Russian centerman had just six goals and 17 points in 43 games this season, but he's had seven 50+ point and three 70+ point seasons in his career.
He was also the driving force behind the Capitals' Cup run in 2018 when he had 12 goals and 32 points in 24 games.
He's had his issues in Washington, namely effort level and overall impact, and after returning from the NHL's Player Assistance Program, he was waived and reassigned to the AHL where he is currently with the Hershey Bears.
However, it's been well noted that he's been looking for a new home, so perhaps that can motivate him and if he can respark even a little bit of his magic, this could be a homerun deal.
Overall, it's a low-risk gamble on a player who has a history of being a game breaker.
The Canes went from we like our group to adding Jake Guentzel and Kuznetsov in about a 12 hour period. Talk about loading up for a Cup run.