The 31-year-old reported to the Capitals' AHL affiliate on Saturday.
The Washington Capitals saw Evgeny Kuznetsov report to the AHL's Hershey Bears on Tuesday, and the forward was in high spirits as he took the ice for the first time since going through the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Kuznetsov was in high spirits and all smiles as he skated. He is in the follow-up care phase of the program and was just cleared to resume practicing back on Saturday when he was placed on waivers and subsequently assigned to the AHL.
Kuznetsov cannot play until he is cleared to return to game action by the program. The Bears next play on Friday, the same day as the NHL Trade Deadline, where the Capitals are expected to explore possible ways to move Kuznetsov to accommodate the center's desire for a change in scenery.
That was the reason that Washington placed Kuznetsov on waivers, as general manager Brian MacLellan said that the move would help set the wheels in motion to get Kuznetsov a new playing environment and help him hit reset.
"It's about a fresh start for Kuzy, first of all," MacLellan said. "He's been looking for a change in environment, and this might set the wheels in motion for that to be accomplished."
The 31-year-old played in 43 games for the Capitals this season before entering the Player Assistance Program, racking up six goals and 11 assists for 17 points.
"We've had history together and [it's] an opportunity for him to have a fresh start, I think, is the main theme, we're trying to accomplish," MacLellan added.