Kuznetsov scored a power-play goal on two shots and added an assist in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Islanders in Game 1.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov opened the scoring just 1:35 into the first period and added a helper on Stefan Noesen's game-winner in the third. The 31-year-old Kuznetsov ended the regular season with just two helpers over his last 13 games, resulting in him dropping to a bottom-six role to begin the playoffs. He had 24 points across 63 appearances in the regular season, by far his worst full campaign, but he could be a key depth scorer if the Hurricanes go on a deep run.

Kuznetsov snapped a four-game pointless streak with an assist in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Considering he was put on waivers by the Capitals prior to being dealt to the Hurricanes at the trade deadline, Kuznetsov has really managed to resurrect his season, and possibly his career, since his arrival in Raleigh. He now has six points (two goals, four assists) in nine games with his new team, and he's provided the Canes with valuable depth scoring while playing on the third line with Martin Necas and Jordan Martinook.

Kuznetsov recorded a goal and an assist in Sunday's 7-2 win over the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov put the Hurricanes ahead 2-1 early in the second period with a power-play marker, beating Anton Forsberg with a wrister from the circle, before adding an assist on a Dmitry Orlov tally in the third. The 31-year-old Kuznetsov has looked like his old self in Carolina, picking up two goals and four points in his last three contests. He's up to 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) through 49 games this season between the Hurricanes and Capitals.

Kuznetsov scored his seventh goal of the season in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The long-time Capital picked up his first goal, and first point, as a member of the Hurricanes midway through the second period, getting the puck with tons of open space around him before picking his spot against Sergei Bobrovsky. Kuznetsov has been centering a talented line with Martin Necas and fellow newcomer Jake Guentzel at even strength while skating on Carolina's first power-play unit, so points could begin to come in bunches for the 31-year-old now that he's beginning to get comfortable in his new surroundings.

Kuznetsov (personal) will make his Hurricanes debut Saturday against New Jersey, per Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov, who was on non-roster injured reserve, hasn't played since Jan. 27 because he was in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He had six goals and 17 points in 43 contests with Washington before being traded to Carolina on Friday. It remains to be seen exactly how the Hurricanes will utilize him, but Kuznetsov will likely serve in a middle-six role versus the Devils.

Kuznetsov was traded to Carolina from Washington in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick Friday, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports. The Capitals will retain 50 percent of Kuznetzov's $7.8 million annual salary.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov is currently in the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He had six goals and 11 assists in 43 games with the Capitals before the trade. The 31-year-old will likely line up as a middle-six center with the Hurricanes once he clears the last phase of his rehabilitation. Kuznetsov joined the Canes for practice Friday, per Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

Kuznetsov (personal) was put on waivers Saturday, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov had six goals and 17 points in 43 contests this season before entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Feb. 5. He received clearance to resume practicing with the Capitals on Saturday prior to ending up on waivers. Kuznetsov comes with a $7.8 million cap hit through the 2024-25 campaign, so he's unlikely to be claimed. GM Brian MacLellan said the decision to waive Kuznetsov was about providing the the 31-year-old forward with a fresh start, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press, so the plan is presumably to send him to AHL Hershey if he clears.

Kuznetsov (personal) was cleared to practice Saturday by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov, who entered the program Feb. 5, is now in the follow-up care phase. As a result, he has not been cleared to play in games yet. Kuznetsov has six goals and 11 assists in 43 contests this season.

Kuznetsov (personal) entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov will take an indefinite leave of absence while he seeks treatment from the Player Assistance Program for an undisclosed issue. The 31-year-old forward has posted six goals, 17 points and a minus-11 rating in 43 games this season.

Kuznetsov (personal) did not take part in Monday's practice, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov's availability for Tuesday's home game against Montreal has yet to be determined, but the Capitals recalled Michael Sgarbossa from AHL Hershey to potentially cover any absence. The 31-year-old Kuznetsov has had a very disappointing campaign with just six goals and 17 points in 43 games and is far from a reliable fantasy asset these days.