Brutal update emerges on Evgeny Kuznetsov

Two months ago, reports surfaced that Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov had had enough of Washington, and wanted a trade out, hoping for a change of scenery.

Despite the season being over and more time to consider his trade demand, his agent Sergei Fedotov claims that it’s what needs to happen for his client.

Fedotov, who is also a longtime friend of the Capitals center, commented the siltation on a Russian podcast and explained that Kuznetsov has been struggling on the ice because to play his best, he needs to be having fun and he wasn’t able to do so under now-former head coach Peter Laviolette.

“I have known Zhenya for a very long time and are friends,” he said, referring to Kuznetsov by his Russian nickname. “There are people who are quite disciplined. Zhenya is not in this category. Zhenya from the category is closer to me… if I don’t feel [inspired] from what I do, I will definitely look for opportunities to make me feel comfortable. It is an inner and mental state.

“Right now, Zhenya doesn’t have this [joy] from hockey, and Kuznetsov, without this recharge, without a spark, he’s not interested in anything,” Fedotov said. “He wanted to change the team for a long time, he was tired in Washington, and also – not only aggravated, but in many respects it was influenced by the fact that Laviolette does not play the hockey that is typical for Evgeny Kuznetsov.”

His agent strongly believes that Kuznetsov would benefit from a trade and whenever this gets to the ears of GM Brian MacLellan, a plan could finally be put in motion to move the Russian forward.

“He just needs a change of scenery. He has a family, he has children, in this sense he is doing well. But for him to get more buzz from what he lives with, from hockey … Now he doesn’t have this buzz.”

There is also the possibility that Kuznetsov wants to wait it out and see who comes in a replacement for Laviolette behind the bench. Laviolette and the Capitals mutually agreed to part ways the day after their season ended.

If Kuznetsov returns to the Capitals in 2023-24 — he’s under contract for another two years, he will need to put up better numbers than he did this season. Kuznetsov had a team worst plus-minus of minus-26 and put up his fewest points in a full 82-game season in eight years.

Maybe a trade is the best option for everyone involved after all…

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