Capitals looking to trade Kuznetsov

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T. Tadi
May 12, 2021 (8:31 PM)

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The Washington Capitals may have had enough of Evgeny Kuznetsov's off-ice problems, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN. It's a tale that hasn't received much coverage because of the Tom Wilson drama. He and his good friend Ilya Samsonov were both scratched from a game this week after failing to turn up on time for a team event/meeting. He was one of a group of players who had their hands slapped earlier this season for being out in public without masks and violating COVID protocols, and this isn't the first time he's had issues.

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Kuznetsov has been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism in the past. He was suspended three years ago for "questionable behaviour," and the Capitals seem to be concerned that he hasn't learned his lesson or matured. According to LeBrun, there is talk among those associated with the Capitals organisation that it might be time to make a move. Given that the team is tired of dealing with his problems, as well as some inconsistency on the ice, the team will want to waive his $7.8 million cap hit for another four years.

It will be a significant move to move the team's No. 1 centre. But, who knows, maybe it doesn't matter any more. «What I'm hearing is that it's beginning to irritate some members of the Caps organisation,» LeBrun says. Keep your eyes peeled for this one.»

He goes on to say that during the offseason, the Capitals may be open to trade offers for Kuznetsov. While the player has a changed no-trade clause, it's fair to believe that if the two parties aren't satisfied with each other, a deal can be worked out. It would be beneficial for the Capitals to try to resolve this problem before the NHL Expansion Draft, maybe by working out a deal with Seattle.