What’s Next For Evgeny Kuznetsov?

Washington Capitals’ veteran forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has cleared waivers, and it was announced that he will be reassigned to the Capitals AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Kuznetsov has been a part of the Capitals organization since 2013, playing a total of 723 games in D.C. He was, notoriously, the player who scored the game-winning goal in game 5 of the team’s playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018, finally sending the Capitals to the third round of playoffs and eventually on their way to the Stanley Cup Final. Kuznetsov was the team’s leading goal scorer during their 2018 playoff run.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, 31, was placed on waivers Saturday, just hours after he was cleared to play by the NHL’s Player Assistance Program (NHLPA), which he entered on February 6th. The Russian has had a handful of bumps in the road during his stellar career, the most infamous occurring in 2019 when he was suspended without pay for three games for “inappropriate conduct,” less than a month after he received a four-year ban for playing on the Russian national team due to a positive cocaine test. His entry into the NHLPA was, unfortunately, not a great shock to many.

Evgeny Kuznetsov will likely be taking the ice with the Hershey Bears soon. Capitals’ general manager Brian MacLellan explained the reasoning behind placing the forward on waivers and, ultimately, reassigning him to Hershey, saying, “We’ve had history together, and an opportunity for him to have a fresh start, I think, is the main theme of what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s just an opportunity for our side, too, to start fresh and try to get him an opportunity to continue his career.” The Bears’ Mike Sgarbossa was called up to play in Kuznetsov’s place. In his 13 games with the team this season, he has tallied 4 points (2g, 2a).

Fellow members of the Capitals Organization have wished Evgeny Kuznetsov well. Head coach Spencer Carbery said, “Just feel for him as a person and hope the outcome of this is just the best for him and his family. That’s what I’m hopeful for.” Hershey Bears’ head coach Todd Nelson seemed excited about the opportunity to have Kuznetsov on the team. “Anytime if we’re able to get a player like Kuzy, exceptional talent, there’s a reason he’s played in the National Hockey League for 11 years,” said Nelson. “If he reports to Hershey, we’re more than welcome to have him.” Before he can take the ice with Hershey, though, Kuznetsov will need to complete the post-care process of the NHL/NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program.

The Capitals will get $1.15 million of cap savings with Kuznetsov’s assignment to the AHL, which could prove to be helpful for the team as the trade deadline looms near. He would be the highest-paid player in AHL history with a cap hit of $7.8 million and his minor league salary at $8 million, per Cap Friendly.

Evgeny Kuznetsov already has an AHL biography page, so it appears he would continue to wear his number 92 with his new team.