After bussing down to Charlotte on Wednesday, the Hershey Bears returned to the ice for a full-team practice at Bojangles Coliseum ahead of their back-to-back against the Checkers on Friday and Saturday night.
The skate marked the second time that Evgeny Kuznetsov suited up with the Bears since clearing NHL waivers and being re-assigned to the AHL on Monday.
While Kuznetsov rocked red as an extra during Tuesday’s skate, he donned a white jersey after being promoted to the top line with Mike Vecchione and Ethen Frank at Thursday’s practice.
Notably, Frank appears ready to return after a month-long layoff due to a lower-body injury. He is second on the team in goals (21) behind Pierrick Dubé (24), who was recently returned to the club.
Kuznetsov’s assignment to the first line comes as the Capitals opted to not put the Bears’ regular top-line center, Mike Sgarbossa, on NHL waivers before the trade deadline, meaning Hershey’s team leader in assists will not be eligible to be on the Bears’ playoff roster this year.
📍 Charlotte, NC pic.twitter.com/7iiMHy83Bp
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 7, 2024
Kuznetsov likely earned the opportunity after impressing Bears head coach Todd Nelson with his attitude and conditioning after a nearly two month layoff.
“Obviously, he’s a very talented player,” Nelson said. “He hasn’t skated for 50 days and he was one of the smoothest guys out there today which is incredible.”
Kuznetsov can practice with the team, but has not been cleared to play in a game yet by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program. The Russian centerman officially entered the follow-up phase of the program on March 2.
The Bears lineup is currently in flux due to the NHL trade deadline, illness within the Capitals’ ranks, and several players close to returning from injury. Hunter Shepard was not at practice after being recalled to the Capitals. Darcy Kuemper fell ill and did not participate in the NHL team’s morning skate. The Capitals play the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night.
Riley Sutter and Lucas Johansen are both near returns after being out due to injury. Recently reclaimed Capitals forward, Matthew Phillips, was optioned to Hershey but did not skate with the team on Thursday per a Bears’ representative.
