Player: Evgeny Kuznetsov
Contract: 2 years, $6 million ($3m AAV)
Expires: 2017
Puck Prose
Karl Alzner’s words are beginning to ring very true. A trend is forming, and that is that 2017 is going to be a big summer for the Washington Capitals in terms of re-signing some undervalued players. Evgeny Kuznetsov signed his bridge deal last summer following his breakout in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kuznetsov’s play has absolutely erupted since then. He is flip-flopping with Nicklas Backstrom for the team lead in points, and has arguably emerged as the best player on this impressive squad.
Kuznetsov is frequently seen stick handling through mobs of opponents or completing behind-the-back passes from behind the net leaving enemy goalies befuddled. He is more than capable of playing the pivot on either of the top two lines, and provides a huge threat on the second power play unit. $3 million per year for a point-per-game centerman with the insane skill level of Kuznetsov is an absolute steal. His ceiling could be through the roof.
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