Evgeny Kuznetsov has finally been traded out of Washington!

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, rumours have just emerged that the Washington Capitals are discussing the possibility of moving Russian forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Moments later, it was confirmed that after recently returned to the league after a follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Kuznetsov has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in return for a 2025 third-round pick.

Washington is retaining 50 percent on Kuznetsov (one more year next season at a $7.8 M AAV). He take a $3.9M AAV to Carolina in the transaction. 

Ever since he return from the program, Kuznetsov has been assigned to the AHL’s Hershey Bears since. Funny enough, the Bears are playing the Checkers in Chalottte tonight.

Kuznetsov appeared in 43 games for the Capitals this season, struggling to find consistency while collecting just six goals and 11 assists. For months now, it has been rumoured that the veteran would like a change of scenery.

He finally gets his wish on Trade Deadline Day.

Kuznetsov will need to be cleared for game action by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program before he can play.

Following Kuznetsov’s trade, the Capitals have used up all three of their salary retention slots having retained 50% of the Russian forward’s cap hit. Washington has also absorbed cap in the trade of defender Joel Edmundson to the Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Anthony Mantha to the Vegas Golden Knights.

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