Evgeny Kuznetsov assigned to AHL after clearing waivers

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s time with the Washington Capitals may end after a whirlwind of days. The Capitals placed Kuznetsov on waivers Saturday just hours after the forward got cleared to resume practicing by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Kuznetsov cleared waivers on Sunday as none of the league’s other 31 teams claimed him. Washington has assigned the veteran to its AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Kuznetsov will be the highest-paid player ever rostered in the AHL.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said the team waived Kuznetsov after his agent asked for a fresh start for the 31-year-old.

“It’s about a fresh start for Kuzy, first all,” MacLellan said, per Tarik El Bashir of Monumental Sports. “He’s been looking for a change in environment, and this might set the wheels in motion for that to be accomplished.”

Whether Kuznetsov reports to the Bears is unclear. The NHL’s trade deadline is Friday. The Capitals will try to move him, an act they’ve been unsuccessful doing in recent years.

Kuznetsov has one year left following this season on his eight-year, $92 million contract. He’ll carry a $7.8 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said he feels for Kuznetsov and hopes the best for him and his family. Carbery admitted he addressed the team about Kuznetsov.

“Someone that’s been in the organization a long time, and a lot of guys in our room or some of the guys in our room have been with him for all 11 years. I felt like I owed him that,” Carbery said, per El-Bashir.

Evgeny Kuznetsov went from Stanley Cup hero to disgruntled and distraction

A first-round pick, Kuznetsov was drafted by the Capitals in 2010. He made his NHL debut in 2013, playing 11 seasons with the team. He was instrumental in the Capitals winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Kuznetsov led the league with 20 assists and 32 points in that playoff run. His overtime goal in Game 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins sent Washington to the Eastern Conference Finals.

However, his play became inconsistent after that season. He also struggled off the ice. The International Ice Hockey Federation placed a four-year ban on Kuznetsov after he tested positive for cocaine in 2019.

The NHL then suspended him three games later that year after a video surfaced of Kuznetsov with a white substance believed to be cocaine on a table at a hotel.

Kuznetsov struggled to fit within the system of then-head coach Peter Laviolette. Last season, he posted 55 points and a minus-26 rating in 81 games. Meanwhile, Kuznetsov requested a trade from Washington that never came to avail. This season, he scrapped 17 points in 43 games before being placed in the NHL’s Players Assistance Program.

Evgeny Kuznetsov has appeared in 723 regular season games with the Capitals. He’s produced 171 goals and 397 goals.