Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov was not present at the team’s first practice post-All-Star break on Monday morning. The team announced that Kuzy was missing out for personal reasons.
Kuznetsov spent the bye week with his family and former Capital Dmitry Orlov in Miami.
The veteran Russian centerman played in all 13 of the team’s games in January, recording six points (1g, 5a). Kuznetsov was the only member on the Capitals’ current active roster to not be present for the post-break skate.
Head coach Spencer Carbery declined to give an immediate comment on Kuznetsov’s status. “We’ll have an update later but out today for personal reasons,” he said.
Notably, the team recalled forward Mike Sgarbossa from the Hershey Bears on Monday, giving them 24 total players on their roster. The league limit is 23 so a corresponding move of some sort needs to happen to get the Capitals in line with NHL rules.
Kuznetsov has had a rough season under rookie bench boss Spencer Carbery. The 31-year-old pivot has seen two, mid-game benchings and a healthy scratch against the Arizona Coyotes in early December.
In 43 games this season, Kuznetsov has amassed 17 points (6g, 11a). In the team’s most recent outing, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars, Kuznetsov centered the second line between wingers Max Pacioretty and Anthony Mantha.
