Evgeny Kuznetsov Blasts Capitals In More Ways Than One

Washington Capitals' 10-year veteran Evgeny Kuznetsov has had quite a bit to say about the only franchise he's even known this offseason, and not all of it has been very positive.  

Evgeny Kuznetsov reportedly requested a trade earlier in the off-season 😳 pic.twitter.com/Q0acSMMzpw

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 24, 2023

After struggling in 2022-23, having arguably his worst season, Kuznetsov reportedly asked out this past summer, requesting a trade. He was quoted as questioning the Captials' roster turnover. 

"It feels like in this organization those who want to be there are kicked out and those who don't want to be there are left behind," Kuznetsov was quoted in a Russian interview. 

He also ripped the team's previous coach, Peter Laviolette, for not fitting with the team, and having players take on roles they weren't suited for.

Evgeny Kuznetsov had harsh criticism for Peter Laviolette during a Russian lang. interview.

He pointed to Laviolette making players uncomfortable playing in roles they've never been accustomed to.

"You brought a coach who almost didn’t fit our style." https://t.co/mQmFLjdzJG

— RMNB (@rmnb) September 23, 2023

"You brought a coach who almost didn’t fit our style," Kuz told GM Brian MacLellan after the season... Right about the time he asked out. 

But now, with a new coach, Spencer Carbery, in tow, it sounds like Kuznetsov is all-in again in DC. 

"He's a great person," Kuz said of his new bench boss. "I feel like the way he sees hockey, it's a perfect match for me... he wants to control the game, he wants to hold onto the puck, I'm a big fan of that.

"There's a lot of positivity in my head when I talk to him. The most important: he was very honest with me, and I was very honest with him, too." 

Last season was certainly one to forget for the 31-year-old Russian. He notched just 12 goals, 55 points, and registered a career-worst minus-26.

From a trade request, to being a "perfect match". It's been a complete 180 this offseason for Kuznetsov, and heading into his 11th season with the Caps, he's apparently back on board. 

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports