Silber: Why The Kuznetsov Trade Had To Happen For Capitals & What Both Sides Get Out Of It

The Capitals traded Kuznetsov to the Hurricanes for a pick as both sides get the fresh start they were looking for.

The Washington Capitals had a difficult decision to make going into the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, with Evgeny Kuznetsov requesting a change of scenery and his future looming over the organization.

So, general manager Brian MacLellan made his move, sending the two-time NHL All-Star to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. D.C. also retains 50 percent of Kuznetsov's salary.

While the trade isn't one that brings in a blockbuster return for a name with a lot of history in the District, it was the necessary move to make for both parties.

Kuznetsov is in need of a fresh start. The last handful of seasons have been frustrating for the 31-year-old, who has been unable to completely recapture the success that made him among the NHL's elite centers just a few years ago. Under both Peter Laviolette and Spencer Carbery, Kuznetsov had his fair share of struggles while showing flashes of his former self, and he also had some run-ins with off-ice issues.

That's not to take away from the highlights and impressive play that he displayed over the course of his 11-year tenure in the District. He had a couple of 80-point seasons under his belt, exorcised D.C.'s demons by scoring the Game 6 overtime winner to push the Capitals past the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round and led the team in scoring en route to the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

Still, a trade is what is best for Kuznetsov at this point in his career. He asked management for a change, and it would be unfair to keep him in the organization and down in Hershey as he works his way back up. That's not what MacLellan wanted, either.

"We're open to anything that gives him an opportunity to continue his career the way he wants to continue it," MacLellan said last week of No. 92.

Not only does Kuznetsov need to hit reset, but so do the Capitals. Kuznetsov went from a top center in the organization to an odd man out, and his full $7.8 million cap hit would have weighed heavier on the franchise as it looks to retool on the fly.

Kuznetsov's departure also allows prospects and younger pieces to get more ice time, and Hendrix Lapierre is just one name that's benefitted from a bigger role, along with Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas.

Washington is also in a sell-off, and this is the reality of the situation. The market for Kuznetsov was reportedly not abundant, and at this point, making a move is better than waiting it out.

In the end, Kuzentsov's departure is a difficult day for the organization as it says goodbye to a player who forever owns a place in franchise history. However, the move was a necessity for both sides and, ultimately, still a win-win situation.