NHL Rumors: The Washington Capitals and Evgeny Kuznetsov

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast – Tin Foil Hats, on the Washington Capitals, Evgeny Kuznetsov scenario.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Friedman: “The fascinating thing for me in Washington is Kuznetsov. It’s apparent now the Capitals are improving their group. And I’ll offer credit to the blog site Russian Machine Never Breaks due to the fact that they discovered the short article out of Russia that states that Kuznetsov had actually requested for a trade a couple years earlier, and unexpectedly a great deal of things begin to make a lot more sense.

NHL Rumors: Evgeny Kuznetsov seeking to leave Washington?

For the last number of years we’ve sort of heard Kuznetsov’s name out there. We’ve spoken about previously how the relationship in between him and the group has actually been strained. I believe they’ve been dissatisfied with him.

Ovechkin was the Conn Smyth winner in 2018 however Kuznetsov was a significant factor they won the Stanley Cup. He provided a component in those years playoffs they constantly imagined when they prepared him. That they would have a killer 1-2 punch, Backstrom-Kuznetsov, and individuals would not have the ability to manage it. And that’s precisely what occurred that playoff.

He got a huge agreement right after. He was worthy of every cent at the time and if he had actually continued to play the manner in which he played, none of this would be a problem however he hasn’t truly been the very same gamer because. I believe that they have actually felt he has actually not had the very same mindset.

Kuznetsov, he’s constantly been an actually truthful, totally free thinker. I delight in speaking with him. He’s really blunt. But I believe that they feel that he’s not the very same dedicated gamer, and he feels, clearly, not been supported by the company.

Now, it’s like dating Jeff, the fact is most likely someplace in the center however I believe this exposes what a great deal of us have actually thought, and I believe that for a couple years now the Capitals and Kuznetsov have actually been headed towards possibly a divorce.

NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Washington Capitals

It’s simply that, like I stated, if he was playing like the method he remained in 2018, they’re not seeking to trade him and likewise, someone’s delighted to take him. He simply hasn’t been at that level, that makes it harder on the group and more difficult to negotiate in a tight cap world.

But it states to me, this is coming at some point. Can’t state precisely when, however it’s coming.”