The Washington Capitals made a shocking move on Saturday and placed veteran center Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers.
Kuznetsov was announced as cleared to return to practice by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program just hours before the transaction.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the news.
Washington has put Kuznetsov on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 2, 2024
The Capitals plan to send Kuznetsov down to the AHL’s Hershey Bears if he goes unclaimed by another team.
“I spoke with him and his representatives,” Brian MacLellan said in a press conference on Saturday. “I don’t know that they wanted this but this is a means to accomplish what they want. I think we have a history here that’s gone on for a while and I think it’s frustrating on both sides. Just an opportunity for our side too, to start fresh and try to get him an opportunity to continue his career.”
In 43 games this season, Kuznetsov has amassed 17 points (6g, 11a). Kuznetsov, 31, entered the Player Assistance Program on February 5. No reasons for Kuznetsov joining the program were given, but the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program is a joint project between the league and players’ organization to support players dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and other issues.
Kuznetsov holds a $7.8 million cap hit for this season and the next before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Choosing to place him on waivers now gives the Capitals a variety of options to find Kuznetsov a new home ahead of the trade deadline and capture cap savings.
