Signings and Departure: Hurricanes Confirm a huge contract while they lose their current top rated star
RALEIGH, North Carolina: July 17, 2024, will be a memorable day for the Carolina Hurricanes organization. In just twenty-four hours, the front office made a significant re-signing and delivered a surprising farewell.
The front office has been active all month due to free agency and arbitration. The Hurricanes are dealing with two ongoing arbitration cases: Jack Drury and Martin Necas.
Drury’s case was resolved yesterday, with the forward re-signing for a two-year deal. A fan favorite, Drury was one of the three remaining Hurricanes RFAs awaiting contracts, the other two being Necas and Seth Jarvis. His arbitration filing shocked fans when it was announced, but his continued presence on the team has been anticipated. Drury’s performance in the postseason, especially against the New York Islanders in Round 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, was remarkable.
JACK IS BACK 😤 pic.twitter.com/ylGeuphONo
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 17, 2024
In another significant development, the organization and Evgeny Kuznetsov mutually decided to part ways. Rumors began circulating on July 16 from Russian outlets that Kuznetsov would be leaving the Hurricanes, with a year remaining on his contract, to play in the KHL with the SKA club. Kuznetsov’s agent denied these reports the same day, stating it was “too early” to discuss any Russian contracts.
Despite the Hurricanes being significantly impacted by free agency, fans were looking forward to another year with “The Birdman.” Kuznetsov’s departure came as a shock to both Washington Capitals fans, from where he was traded at the 2023-2024 trade deadline, and Carolina fans.
On July 17, Kuznetsov was placed on unconditional waivers by the Hurricanes front office. The organization released a statement that the decision was mutual and “the best course of action for both parties.” His cap hit of approximately four million US dollars is now available for the Hurricanes for other signings.
From the bird celly to the Kuzy crawl in the playoffs, thanks for all the fun! Best of luck, Kuzy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jcR9Ckp7lA
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 18, 2024
On July 18, Kuznetsov was cleared from unconditional waivers, and his contract was subsequently terminated by the front office. He is now an unrestricted free agent (UFA). There have been no further updates on where he plans to sign, whether in the NHL or KHL, at this time.