Kuznetsov Makes 'Unbelievable' First Impression With Hershey, What Road Ahead Looks Like For Him & Capitals: 'He Came In Here With So Much Energy'

Kuznetsov skated with the Capitals' AHL affiliate Hershey Bears on Tuesday.

Before making his way onto the ice at GIANT Center for Hershey Bears practice, Evgeny Kuznetsov made sure he had his new teammates laughing. Then, he skated for the first time in 50 days, not missing a beat as he took the Washington Capitals' AHL affiliate by storm.

Head coach Todd Nelson could hardly believe the narrative folding out in front of him; after all, he wasn't sure that Kuznetsov would report.

"You’re waiting to see… we didn’t know what’s going to happen next," Nelson told reporters in Hershey. "Two days ago, I was like, 'Until I see the whites of his eyes, I’m not counting on him.' But showed up this morning bright and early... it was really good energy.

"Other teams are looking at us going, 'Holy cow.'"

Kuznetsov made an outstanding first impression with the Bears and was in high spirits as he participated in his first practice since entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

"The way he conducts himself, obviously he's a very talented player. He hasn't skated for 50 days, and he was one of the smoothest guys out there today, which is incredible," Nelson added. "A lot of young guys look up to guys like that."

It wasn't just Kuznetsov's skill and skating, though, that took Nelson aback; it was his attitude.

That was perhaps the biggest concern surrounding the 31-year-old, who was waived by the Capitals on Saturday following a rocky start to the year and rising frustration for both him and the organization. He entered the Player Assistance Program when the team returned from the All-Star Break on Feb. 5.

Since 2018, Kuznetsov has struggled to recapture the consistency and performance that helped his team hoist the Stanley Cup, and run-ins with off-ice issues led to tension between both parties and Kuznetsov requesting a change in scenery. His assignment to the AHL sets that process in motion, but for now, he's with Hershey.

And for Nelson, Kuznetsov, who had 17 points in 43 NHL games this season, is going about the situation in the best way possible: with a smile on his face, determination and a positive work ethic.

"He came in here today with so much energy, it was unbelievable," Nelson said, adding, "We just had a short conversation saying, 'You know what, you’re no different than anybody else. You're just gonna come here and we’re gonna try to help you get back to the National Hockey League.’ We’re going to do our jobs as coaches to try to help you. He’s excited, he’s excited to be back on the ice.”

His vintage sense of humor was also on full display, as he joked around with the coaching staff and his teammates while waving to the camera and sporting a grin throughout the skate.

“He's a fun personality... he walked into the assistant coaches’ office and said hey are you guys excited to see me? He has that personality," Nelson said. "He’s here, he wants to play hockey... I said, 'Come here, just work hard, we’re gonna try to help you get back to the NHL and have some fun.'"

The Bears will play things by ear with Kuznetsov, as he remains in the follow-up care phase of the program and has not yet been cleared to return to game action. All the while, the Capitals will look to accommodate his request for a change. The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is on Friday at 3 p.m., and Hershey plays the Charlotte Checkers later that night.

For Nelson, as long as Kuznetsov is with the team, the goal remains the same: to continue racking up wins and work toward another Calder Cup.

"Right now we’re on a day-by-day basis. We’re just gonna live it day by day because a lot of things could happen. obviously this time of year there’s a lot of excitement around the trade deadline," Nelson said. "Washington’s in a situation where you’re still hunting for a playoff spot. Time will tell. Coming to the rink tomorrow, I’ll see who I have here. Whoever I have is making the trip to Charlotte.

"I think (for him), being part of the group and buying into what we want to accomplish (is important)," Nelson said, adding, "I know he’s won the Stanley Cup, but that’s the ultimate goal here. He's gonna enjoy his time.”