"We need him," the Capitals general manager said of Kuznetsov.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Evgeny Kuznetsov is still with the Washington Capitals following a rumor-filled summer, and general manager Brian MacLellan is hoping that the start of training camp will mark a reset for him and the organization.

MacLellan discussed where Kuznetsov stands following a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, and though he wouldn't dive into the exact conversations they've had, he did admit that Kuznetsov wasn't content with where he was at in 2022-23. But now, a clean slate is vital.

"I think the player was frustrated a little bit with the season last year and the situation," MacLellan said, adding, "It seems there's a lot of gray things out there on him. But we need him. He's a good player, we need him to be competitive, for our our team to be competitive. We need him o be playing at his top level, so we'll see where he's at."

Kuznetsov had 55 points in 81 games last season for the lowest points-per-game pace in nearly a decade. His shooting percentage also dipped to a career-low 7.

MacLellan is hoping that new head coach Spencer Carbery can spark something in him and get him back to the form he was in in 2021-22, when he was a point-per-game player.

"I'm hoping he's — along with the rest of our — energized by a little bit of a different philosophy, a new, young coach who's enthusiastic," MacLellan added.

The Capitals GM also noted that Kuznetsov had been navigating some health issues, and that hopefully, hitting reset with a new year will help him live up to his highest potential.

"He's a high-end player. He's a high-end playmaker, he's a good skater. It's hard to find those qualities... he's a good player," MacLellan said.

MacLellan also commented on the team's pursuit of a trade, calling the situation "a little bit frustrating" with the market unable to produce anything lucrative at this time. However, the team is still keeping its eyes open to making a trade to bring in a young, top-6 forward.

"We're still looking for that opportunity... We'll continue to talk to teams throughout the year," MacLellan said.