Capitals Trade Kuznetsov To Hurricanes, Granting Star's Request For Change Of Scenery

The Capitals have given Kuznetsov the change of scenery he requested.

The Washington Capitals have granted Evgeny Kuznetsov his desire for a change of scenery and have traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Washington acquires a 2025 third-round pick and retains half of Kuznetsov's $7.8 million salary in the deal.

Kuznetsov is already in North Carolina, as he made the trip to Charlotte with the AHL's Hershey Bears and has been practicing over the last couple of days with the team after clearing waivers and being assigned to the minors.

He was cleared to resume practicing by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program but is not yet cleared for game action as he remains in the follow-up care phase.

General manager Brian MacLellan originally waived Kuznetsov in order to set the wheels in motion for a trade.

"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 added. "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."

Kuznetsov has appeared in 43 NHL games this season, struggling to find consistency and managing just six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. The last handful of seasons have been frustrating for the two-time All-Star, who has struggled to recapture the elite play that made him an 80-point player and key contributor in the team's 2018 Stanley Cup run.

He will be reunited with former Capitals teammate and good friend Dmitry Orlov.