Alexey Dementyev, an NHLPA-certified agent, believes the Capitals and Evgeny Kuznetsov can reconcile.

The Washington Capitals face several questions surrounding Evgeny Kuznetsov's future with the team following another disappointing season and apparent growing tensions between both parties. However, the two sides may be able to reconcile their differences without a deal being made -- at least that's what one NHL agent thinks.

NHLPA-certified agent Alexey Dementyev, who has represented Vladimir Tarasenko and other players over the course of his career, shared his take on Kuznetsov's situation in Washington and said that his inconsistency and underwhelming performance may have been from disagreements with his head coach.

Peter Laviolette had coached the Capitals for the last three seasons before parting ways with the team on April 14. Spencer Carbery, who had worked with the organization from 2018 to 2021 before leaving to be an assistant for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is now taking over the Washington bench as an NHL head coach for the first time.

"Kuznetsov is a very talented hockey player, but he's an artist, and not every coach likes it," Dementyev told RB Sport. "The [systems] for the game in North America that are mandatory were not always welcomed by Evgeny. In this regard, disagreements could arise with a particular coach."

Dementyev added that the coaching change could be beneficial and help Kuznetsov, who has showcased his skill and ability to be among the NHL's elite centers over the course of his career, get back to playing his top game.

"If a person comes who will let him create, Kuznetsov can become the most reliable player on the team. In order for Evgeny to show his best game, please the fans and help his team, the hockey player-coach relationship is important."

Kuznetsov and Laviolette had what Laviolette referred to as an "honest relationship," though Kuznetsov had a few issues over the last few years with the organization. In 2018, he tested positive for cocaine, and in 2020-21, he tested positive for COVID-19 multiple times and was scratched for disciplinary reasons.

However, Kuznetsov said that he and Laviolette did not have a bad relationship.

"He's a great person and a good coach. We spend a lot of time together watching the video clips," Kuznetsov said with a laugh on breakdown day. "No, he's a great person, I wish him all the best. He has a great wife and a great family, so it's only good stuff [with] him."

The 30-year-old had a bounce-back campaign in 2021-22 with 78 points in 79 games but saw his production drop off to the lowest point-per-game pace of his career, as well as a career-low shooting percentage.

Tensions rose as well when reports of a trade request emerged, though Kuznetsov somewhat denied those rumours, saying he did not know where that speculation came from. Kuznetsov also changed agents mid-season, going to Craig Oster and Don Meehan. His agents were reportedly set to meet with general manager Brian MacLellan to discuss his future.

To close out the season, Kuznetsov again refused to comment on the speculation and also said he was confident he would bounce back after what he called a tough season filled with some injuries and struggles. 

MacLellan openly expressed disappointment in No. 92's performance as well after he put up 55 points in 81 games.

"I think it wasn’t as good as last year. I liked his season last year, played well. For whatever reason, he never quite found his game," MacLellan said. "I mean, there are stretches where I thought he played well, but overall, I think he underperformed the season he had last year.”

Now, with Washington bracing for a big summer likely filled with change following a lackluster season that saw the group miss the postseason for the first time in nine years, Kuznetsov's name is appearing on trade boards as the team is reportedly taking calls on the center.

However, with Carbery now at the helm, there's hope from Dementyev that both parties can pave a path that would allow Kuznetsov to remain with the club and bounce back.

"Trades are stressful, and it's not known how someone will behave at the same time," Dementyev said. "I think we need to find mutual understanding between the coach and Evgeny himself to get together and show his best hockey, and everything will get better."