Rumor: Evgeny Kuznetsov Finished in Washington

As we reported last week, a big trade is expected from the Washington Capitals and all signs are pointing to center Evgeny Kuznetsov being the player to be dealt. The Caps confirmed on Wednesday only Niklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin are untouchable and a Kuznetsov could be moved for the right deal.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan confirmed to the media, it's going to take a hockey deal to pull the trigger on a Kuznetsov trade but it certainly sounds like it's closer than it's ever been.

I think we're always open to trading people if it makes sense for what's going on. If it's going to make our team better, I think we're open to it .I don't think anybody's off the table. We're not going to trade (Alex Ovechkin) or (Nicklas Backstrom) and those type of people, but I think you have to be open on anything. We would talk to anybody about any player.

The Russian center who was in the dog house at times this season has four seasons left on his contract, paying him $7.8 million per season. His deal includes no-trade protection for 15 teams, and in 2022 this list does decrease to 10. While some are speculating a deal for Jack Eichel, you can bet Buffalo is on the no-trade list. It's going to be an interesting offseason in Washington and this roster is going to look a lot different come opening puck drop next season.