The Carolina Hurricanes have been a top team in the Eastern Conference for a number of years now but have never been able to fully put it together in the playoffs, failing to make it past the second round since winning the franchise's first Stanley Cup in 2006.
In 43 games this year before entering the Players Assistances Program, Kuzntesov scored 6 goals and added 11 assists. Kuzntesov has one more year remaining on his contract paying him $7,800,000 but this will be split between both teams now.
