Top 3 teams that would make the most sense for Evgeny Kuznetsov
It’s been an awkward season for the Washington Capitals. Players have been uninspired under a coach in his lame duck season still coaching for his job but running out of options as the Caps sink further in the standings. One of the big moves this offseason could be sending away Evgeny Kuznetsov, who was rumored by a Russian news outlet Match TV in requesting a trade as early as two years ago.
So what kind of destination makes sense? Glad you asked because today we’ll look at the top three good landing spots for Kuznetsov and we’ll try to avoid the Eastern Conference at all costs.
#3 Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are already making noise in the NHL in just their second season. Did the group up build happen as quickly as the last expansion team in the Vegas Golden Knights? Not quite. But by not gambling their first season, it set them up for no sophomore slumps.
Down the lineup the Kraken have some talented centers. But only one has had a 20 goal season as Matthew Berniers has 21. Kuznetsov only has 12 this season after bouncing back last season scoring 24 goals.
What Kuzy needs is a change in scenery and Seattle is beautiful.
#2 Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are in similar spot to the Caps on the outside looking in the playoff standings but are in a much better position. Whether they make it or miss it, adding Kuznetsov would bolster their center depth next season.
The Flames are chasing the Seattle Kraken, who are in first place in the wild card out west with a 41-25-8 mark for 90 points. They are also chasing the second place Winnipeg Jets with 87 points. The Flames sit with a 35-26-15 record with 85 points, just two behind the Jets for that second and final playoff spot.
Blake Coleman and Dillon Dube lead the centers with 18 goals this season each. But they’ve been skating on the wings of the second and third line lately. The Flames also have Nazem Kadri, a Stanley Cup champ from the Colorado Avalanche last season.
Imagining a top six of Kuzy and Kadri or vice versa would be a problem in the western conference. And Kuzy could be just as much of an asset on the third line.
I have a feeling Kuznetsov loves the fans of the Capitals. But I guess things went south between the coach or GM but I have no idea I’m not behind those closed doors.
#1 Vegas Golden Knights
Yes the team the Capitals beat in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals would be the top destination for Kuznetsov. Put your powder jokes to the side for a second.
Not only would Kuzy reunite with his former teammate Chandler Stephenson, who was a role player on that Caps team but has emerged into an elite center in Vegas. He has 13 goals and 44 assists for 57 points.
The top center on that Golden Knights team is Jack Eichel. He’s got 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points. William Karlsson occupies the second line and a Caps swap of Karlsson for Kuznetsov would benefit both sides. Karlsson has 14 goals and 35 assists for 49 points.
I could see Karlsson having a 20 goal season his first year in D.C. at the very least. Kuznetsov could break out and rediscover his superstar potential if he works on his game on the ice. Except the shootout where he’s just a complete wizard.
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Off the ice, it’ll be tricky because after all it’s Las Vegas, Sin City, a place that whatever happens at that location stays at that location. But if he stays away from the drugs he’ll be good. Don’t do drugs kids.