Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Capitals open to trading Evgeny Kuznetsov, other players if it will make team better

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/26/21

The Washington Capitals are in for a slew of changes this offseason after a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Bruins.

One of those changes could come up front, as general manager Brian MacLellan said Wednesday that Russian forward Evgeny Kuznetsov could be traded "if it makes sense" for the club, according to Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.

MacLellan added that just about anyone could be traded this offseason, except for players like Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.

MacLellan to question about entertaining trading Evgeny Kuznetsov continued: "I don't think anybody's off the table. We're not going to trade Ovi or Backy and those type of people, but I think you have to be open on anything. We would talk to anybody about any player."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 26, 2021

Kuznetsov is coming off his worst season since 2015 and has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the 2020-21 campaign. The 29-year-old notched 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 41 games and averaged his lowest ice time (16:34) since 2017.

The Russian also missed time after contracting COVID-19 and was scratched for being late to a team function earlier this month.

Kuznetsov has four seasons remaining on his contract, with a $7.8 million cap hit each year. His deal includes a 15-team no-trade list, which shortens to 10 in 2022. He won't be a free agent until after the 2024-25 season.

Bleacher Report recently listed five possible trade destinations for Kuznetsov, including the Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and New York Rangers. It's unclear if any of those teams are on his no-trade list.

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