Kuznetsov Opens Up About Trade From Capitals, New Start With Hurricanes & Getting Life Back On Track: 'This Is My Last Chance'

The Capitals traded Kuznetsov to the Hurricanes for a third-round pick on Friday.

Evgeny Kuznetsov knows that this is his last chance. He's well aware of the headlines that have followed him, and he doesn't shy away from the trouble that he's run into over the last handful of years with the Washington Capitals. Instead, he owns it — embraces it even — as he starts fresh with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Kuznetsov was traded to the Hurricanes early Friday morning and made his way from the AHL's Hershey Bears in Charlotte to Carolina's deadline day practice in Raleigh. It's been a wild few hours for No. 92, who took the time to reflect after skating.

"Not much I can understand right now; it's all emotions and stuff like that," Kuznetsov told reporters in North Carolina.

One thing he was certain of was how much Washington meant to him. The 31-year-old played 11 years in the District, winning a Stanley Cup in 2018. That tenure was filled with ups and downs, from 80-point seasons to years of inconsistency plagued by off-ice issues.

And though he's disappointed with how his time with the Capitals came to an end, he's leaving with positive memories of the organization where he has spent the entirety of his career up to this point.

"It was 11 years, and both of my kids born there, and that city is a massive chunk in my heart. And unfortunately, I have to leave that way, on that note, but you know, that’s life. No regrets in my life, and I’m gonna remember for the rest of my life the time over there," Kuznetsov said. "It was amazing, amazing memories, bad, good, all kind of memories and you know, happy to be here and new chapter in my life."

Kuznetsov calls the Hurricanes a "perfect match" for him as he reunites with good friend and former Washington teammate Dmitry Orlov. Still, he knows that there is a lot of work to do and that he has a lot to prove after putting up just 17 points in 43 games before entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in February.

The Russian is not only expected to continue working on getting his life back on track but he's also expected to chip in and contribute while helping this team become a top contender. He's no stranger to the circumstances, but this time, he is ready to prove himself to both the Hurricanes and his critics.

"There is a high expectation... I haven't been playing the way I have to play lately, and I accept that, I'm working on that and that's not something that I'm happy about," Kuznetsov said. "I know how this team play and how I need to play... at end of the day, your skill on the ice, you have to make decisions, you have to understand what’s the moment to make plays, what’s the moment to play simple game. And I feel like I can play both games.”

Kuznetsov has been cleared to return to game action and will make his debut for Carolina on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. He is looking forward to a fresh start, and he is also ready to show what he can do.

"It’s something that I’m looking for. I need to get back at hockey; I haven’t played in a long time. I made a lot of mistakes in my life before, and the best way to say sorry to the people is to... make a big impact on the game.

“I was never running away from the mistakes I made in the past… I learn a lot," Kuznetsov said. "Like I said, this is my last opportunity; this is my last chance. Everything is in my power right now."

The Hockey News' Ryan Henkel contributed to this report.