Capitals' Failed Top-6 Trade May Have Been Kuznetsov-For-Duchene, Per Report; Caps Still Looking For Deal

The Capitals and Predators were discussing Kuznetsov before things fell apart. Was the return Duchene?

The Washington Capitals had an aggressive approach to trades going into the 2023 NHL Draft and had been one of the more active teams when it came to proposing deals and trying to get something done. And while things ultimately fell through, the team did get close to a top-6 trade, and it may have been a blockbuster 1-on-1 with the Nashville Predators.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said on 32 Thoughts that Washington and the Predators had been discussing Evgeny Kuznetsov. However, those conversations didn't turn into anything, and ultimately, Nashville bought out center Matt Duchene and signed Ryan O'Reilly, while Duchene signed with the Dallas Stars.

Because of this, Friedman believes the deal being proposed was a Kuznetsov-for-Duchene swap.

"I heard it happened before Duchene was bought out. So I kind of wonder if that was what they were talking about," Friedman said of the potential deal. "Now this trade fell apart. It makes a lot of sense; Barry Trotz won a Stanley Cup with Kuznetsov, who was incredible during that run, but that’s obviously over."

Duchene, 32, had 22 goals and 34 assists for 56 points in 71 outings with Nashville last season. Meanwhile, Kuznetsov had an inconsistent and underwhelming season that was a far cry from his bounce-back campaign in 2021-22. MacLellan didn't shy away from expressing his disappointment in No. 92's play at the end of the season, either.

Taking all of that into account, as well as an alleged trade request from Kuznetsov (though he somewhat denied this), past issues regarding his off-ice conduct and apparent tension between both parties, have made him a prime trade candidate for the Capitals this summer.

Ultimately, Washington finished up the draft without making a top-6 trade and went on to sign left winger Max Pacioretty to a one-year deal to add a prime scoring forward to the mix.

However, the Capitals are by no means done; MacLellan is still intent on making some kind of deal to bring in help on the top-6. Kuznetsov, along with Anthony Mantha, remain the top names to watch.

"We'll continue to monitor the trade market," MacLellan said, adding, "I think we had an aggressive approach at the draft and nothing's panned out, and we'll continue to have the conversations going forward."

When it comes to what kind of player the Capitals want, Friedman indicated that the team is looking for an Alex DeBrincat-type of player, and any deal made will be one to revamp things up front.

“They’re not looking for a salary dump; they’re not looking for anything like that. They’re looking to make a hockey trade in their top-6, and they are open about it," Friedman said.