Washington Capitals rumors: Evgeny Kuznetsov rejects lucrative KHL offer

Washington Capitals RFA center Evgeny Kuznetsov reportedly declined a three-year deal worth $6 million a season from the KHL. 

The Washington Capitals are going into the offseason with some important free agents to sign. Obviously, T.J. Oshie is a player they’d like to re-sign at the right price. However, their most important free agents are their restricted free agents. No Capitals RFA is higher on their “to do list” than center Evgeny Kuznetsov. KHL teams have been quite interested in  him, but he’s likely staying in the NHL. Kuznetsov reportedly turned down a $6 million a year offer from a KHL team.

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It remains to be seen how long the offer is on the table for. However, considering how great Kuznetsov is, he’ll likely be able to get something around that should he choose to go to the KHL. Kuzy’s primary motive to going overseas would be to go to the 2018 Olympics. So maybe a one-year deal would be more tempting for him than a three-year deal.

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The Capitals would like to sign Kuznetsov long-term. He’s proven he’s an extremely capable number two center at worst, and a potential number one center at best. Considering how long the Capitals went looking for a quality center to complement Nicklas Backstrom and the lack of internal replacements, they really can’t afford to lose him.

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Washington will likely need to commit at least $6 million a year to sign Kuznetsov. Considering the other options, they don’t really have a choice.