RALEIGH — The Hurricanes’ schedule the last week can best be described as a murderers’ row of Eastern Conference heavyweights. After thumping the 7-2 last Sunday, had home games against the and — fourth and first, respectively, in points percentage in the through Friday’s games — which will now be followed by a game against the East’s No. 4 team in Toronto on Saturday. On top of a measuring stick week of games, the Hurricanes are breaking in two new players: deadline additions and .
There is some risk, of course, including the fact that Kuznetsov has twice entered the NHL’s player assistance program, including most recently in February. Kuznetsov, however, seems to understand this could be his final chance and is embracing the opportunity with the Hurricanes. Trading for Guentzel at the deadline was, from an asset perspective, a bigger risk.