Kuznetsov's time as a Washington Capital may be coming to an end
The Washington Capitals may have a lot on their hands this summer. While the team is looking for a new head coach, they may also be on the lookout for a trade partner for 30-year-old forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.
According to Kuznetsov's long-time friend Sergei Fedotov, who's also a hockey agent in Russia, the Capitals forward is growing tired of being in Washington and would like a change of scenery.
He added, "I can't say that I'm a wreck, but if I don't feel good about what I'm doing, I always look for opportunities to feel comfortable. Now [Kuznetsov] doesn't have that buzz from hockey, and Kuznetsov doesn't have that buzz, he's not interested in anything."
Kuznetsov had a bit of a down year when compared to the 2021-22 season. In 81 games this past season, he put up 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists), 52 penalty minutes and was a minus-26.
The main issue with trying to trade Kuznetsov is his contract, as he has two years remaining on his current deal with an average annual value of $7.8 million. Kuznetsov also has a modified no-trade clause with a ten-team no-trade list, which could limit the options for Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan, but it also limits the return the team would get for the centerman.
The Chelyabinsk native has been with the Capitals organization ten seasons now and was drafted by them back in 2010. He played a massive role in helping them win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2018.
If the Capitals decide to part ways with Kuznetsov over the summer, there won't be a shortage of teams lining up to acquire his services.
| POLL | ||
Should the Capitals trade Evgeny Kuznetsov this summer? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 78.5 % |
| No | 13 | 16.5 % |
| See Results | 4 | 5.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
