Beyond his goal against the Florida Panthers last night, Evgeny Kuznetsov, who was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline, has already had a great impact on the team.
Kuznetsov hadn’t participated in an NHL game since February 5, 2024, prior to his move. That same day, the forward enrolled in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program. Kuznetsov was waived by the organization on March 2nd, following his release from the program and his return to Capitals practice. He was sent to the Carolina Hurricanes on March 8th in return for a third-round draft pick in 2025.
Fans weren’t expecting the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire Kuznetsov because the team is known for not making trade moves, which is why general manager Don Waddell famously said, “We like our team.” It was anticipated that the Canes’ sole significant transaction of the season would be the transfer of Jake Guentzel to Pittsburgh. Kuznetsov has had an immediate positive effect on the Canes both on and off the ice, having signed less than a week ago. Due to his openness to discuss his return to hockey and its significance with the public, Kuznetsov has grown to be a darling of the Raleigh hockey media. Kuznetsov said he “hadn’t felt (the support of the Hurricanes organization, fanbase, and city of Raleigh) like that in a long time” and that he is “trying to be (me), enjoy every day, and work hard” during his postgame report with Hanna Yates of Bally Sports.
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Kuznetsov is swiftly rising to the top of the Canes player ranks and winning the hearts of hockey fans. Guentzel, Kuznetsov, and Necas is now a playwright line that is associated with excellence. Canes right winger Seth Jarvis described the line as “great on defense” and “electric” in the postgame interview last night. Once despised, Kuznetsov’s bird celebration is now a respected achievement. Coach Rod Brind’amour of the Canes acknowledges in a video posted on Twitter that he “hate[d] that bird thing when I had to watch it, but I love it now.” The team repeated the well-known maneuver and surged Kuznetsov following last night’s Storm Surge.
However, Kuznetsov’s comeback has two meanings. Addiction and mental illness are still heavily stigmatized, particularly in some areas. Even while more NHL players—like Clint Malarchuk, Corey Hirsch, and others—are coming out in the open about their mental health, there is still a stigma associated with weakness in the sports industry. It is significant that Kuznetsov will be leaving the Player Assistance Program, returning to the NHL as a top player, and openly discussing the stigma associated with mental health and addiction. During the halftime, Kuznetsov spoke to Yates once more, saying that he “is living (his) best days and trying to take it day-by-day and take everything that’s possible” and that he “was dealing with some big issues.” Kuznetsov’s level of transparency about returning to the sport has shown younger players, spectators, and others in the hockey community that it’s acceptable to discuss the less pleasant aspects of life. It’s acceptable to not feel okay, as they say. It’s difficult to discuss mental health in public. It’s so difficult to be vulnerable, especially in the face of toxic masculinity and hockey culture. A larger impact is inevitably held when mental health and mental health treatment are de-stigmatized in the hockey community. Kuznetsov’s public actions are extremely daring and highlight the significance of de-stigmatizing mental health. One week after moving to Raleigh, Kuznetsov has already established himself as a valuable member of this team, even if he never scores another goal for the Canes.