Just hours after Evgeny Kuznetsov was freed from the NHL Player Assistance Program, the Washington Capitals placed the center on waivers just hours after the team practiced this morning. No, Kuznetsov wasn't there. This story is developing and will update accordingly based on what we know about the situation.
Washington has put Kuznetsov on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 2, 2024
As a result of being released from the assistance program, the NHL and NHLPA will still be monitoring his progress. General Manager Brian MacLellan is speaking to the media shortly as we're developing this story so we'll add on what he says when it's right.
Kuznetsov has been inconsistent since lifting the Cup in 2018 and he is a salary cap casualty as a result of his inconsistent play as he carried a $7.8 million cap hit and is owed $8 million next season including a $2 million signing bonus.
Evgeny Kuznetsov carries a $7.8M cap charge through the end of next season. He's owed $8M in actual compensation next year, including a $2M signing bonus.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 2, 2024
It's hard to imagine anyone claiming the former star centre off waivers as a result.
NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic noted this on Twitter or X: "It's hard to imagine anyone claiming the former star centre off waivers as a result (of the cap hit)."
Here's what MacLellan has said thus far...
#ALLCAPS GM MacLellan on Kuznetsov: “It’s about a fresh start for Kuzy, first of all. He’s been looking for a change in environment and this might set the wheels in motion for that to be accomplished.”
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) March 2, 2024
El-Bashir added on X that if Kuznetsov doesn't get claimed the plan is to send him to the Herhsey Bears. It might be good for him. It could redevelop his confidence with the team with the most points in the AHL.
The Caps have gotten a little bit better without Kuznetsov as young prospects such as Hendrix Lapierre fully graduated to the NHL level. He has scored in three straight games and looked really good in last night's win over the Flyers after a promotion to center the top line.
The Capitals will host the Arizona Coyotes tomorrow at 1 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network. We'll know Kuznetsov's fate just one hour later. So as the old saying goes, stay tuned. Tomorrow will be an interesting day.