Washington Capitals News: Evgeny Kuznetsov struggled in final years

Washington Capitals fans will always love Evgeny Kuznetsov and he dazzled us night after night with highlight reel goals. Unfortunately things did not work out for either side and both parted ways.

Via Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, Kuznetsov spoke more about the experience and it was to the point he didn't even want his family and friends watching him play. Now that he's back in the KHL he looks to make some noise overseas.

Kuznetsov said these words via MatchTV and that this depression of course took place during the final year of the NHL saga that saw the Capitals trade him to the Hurricanes.

Per a DeepL translation, Kuzy said

"I haven't been able to make (my family) happy in the last couple of years. There were times when I didn't even want them to come to the games. I wasn't comfortable having my kids save my fail, I was worried about that."

The 32 year old confirmed that it was indeed a joint injury called rhemuatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes pain in the joints. He said he was taking pills and getting injections to address the issue and also that he was suffering from severe insomia.

In the end the contract between the Capitals and Hurricanes got terminated and that's how the chapter of Kuznetsov in the NHL closes. He signed a four year contract with SKA. Now he's ready to show his family and Russia what he can do.

Kuznetsov finished the translation by saying:

"I wanted my great grandmother, parents, wife and kids to really see me play hockey. Now I'm putting it all on the line. I want my kids to see how dad can really play."

In other news we are exactly Ivan Miroshnichenko days away until the season begins. That's 63 if you're reading this on Saturday night.

Keep it locked and loaded here all summer long as we bring you the latest in what's going on around the world of the Caps.