The Capitals star cleared waivers on Sunday.
The Washington Capitals will see Evgeny Kuznetsov take the ice at the AHL level, as he will report to the Hershey Bears, the team announced Tuesday.
Kuznetsov cleared waivers and was assigned to Hershey back on Sunday. He will head to GIANT Center on Tuesday for Bears practice, marking his first time back on the ice since before the 2024 NHL All-Star break.
The 31-year-old was recently cleared to resume practicing as he entered the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Kuznetsov will wear No. 92 with Hershey.
Washington placed Kuznetsov on waivers on Saturday in a surprising decision by the organization, one that was made in order to accommodate the forward's desire for a change in scenery.
"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.
"We have a history here that's going on for a while, and I think it's frustrating on both sides," MacLellan said. "So it's just an opportunity for our side to start fresh and to get him to try to give him an opportunity to continue his career."
The last handful of seasons in D.C. have been frustrating for Kuznetsov, who has been unable to replicate his success from his 2018 Stanley Cup run aside from a 78-point campaign in 2021-22. Through 43 games this season before entering the Player Assistance Program, he had six goals and 11 assists.
Hershey next plays on Friday, and the Capitals are also exploring more options pertaining to Kuznetsov with the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline being on that same day. For now, though, he's a member of the Bears.