Washington Capitals Place Evgeny Kuznetsov on Waivers

The Washington Capitals have come to their wits ends with Evgeny Kuznetsov and have decided to place the veteran forward on waivers.

#allcaps have put forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers, same day he was cleared from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 2, 2024

Evgeny Kuznetsov carries a $7.8M cap charge through the end of next season. He's owed $8M in actual compensation next year, including a $2M signing bonus.

It's hard to imagine anyone claiming the former star centre off waivers as a result.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 2, 2024

As Frank Seravalli points out, Kuznetsov was waived the very day he cleared the NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He's appeared in 43 games this season for the Caps, scoring six goals and recording 17 points.

Kuznetsov's contract carries a cap hit of $7.8 million AAV and runs through next season. He also owns a 10-team modified no-trade clause.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, placed on waivers by WSH, is a pure playmaking centre whose deficiency in pretty much every area of the game except passing and (oddly enough) killing penalties has made him one of the most negative-impact playdrivers in the league the past two seasons. #AllCaps pic.twitter.com/L5IxAIPOz0

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 2, 2024

It's unlikely he's claimed based on his big ticket and lack of production and could be bound for the AHL. Washington enters trade deadline week five points out of the second wild card spot, trailing the Tampa Bay Lightning.

#AllCaps have put Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers.
“It’s about a fresh start for Kuzy.” - GM Brian MacLellan pic.twitter.com/u0tdIseEnN

— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 2, 2024

Quite the fall from grace for the Russian forward after recording 78 points in 79 games just two seasons ago.

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports