With Kuznetsov getting his contract terminated to return to Russia this season, both the Hurricanes and Capitals are now free of his $6.0M AAV cap hit and contract. Kuznetsov was traded to the Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick in March and had 13 points (6G / 7A) in 30 combined games between the playoffs and the regular season.

Kuznetsov missed Game 2 due to an undisclosed injury but he'll replace Max Comtois in the lineup for Game 3. The veteran centre has picked up two goals and two assists in six playoff games so far.

The Washington Capitals have agreed to retain 50 percent of the $7.8 million AAV attached to Kuznetsov, who has one more year left on his contract. Kuznetsov has struggled immensely this season, tallying only 17 points (6G / 11A) in 43 games, but the Hurricanes hope he will add another layer of offensive depth to their middle six.

Kuznetsov entered the Player Assistance Program on February 5th but has been cleared to re-join the team after nearly one month. Prior to his leave of absence, Kuznetsov tallied just 17 points (6G / 11A) in 43 games.

Kuznetsov was absent from the Capitals' team practice Monday due to personal reasons and has announced that he will be away from the team for an indefinite period to receive care from the Players Assistance Program. The 31-year-old center has struggled offensively in 2023-24 as he is on pace for career lows in almost all categories after only collecting six goals, 17 points and 69 SOG in 43 games played before he stepped away.

Kuznetsov was not at practice on Monday due to personal reasons, and his status for Tuesday's game against the Montreal Canadiens remains up in the air. In recent games, Kuznetsov has centred the Capitals' second line with Anthony Mantha and Max Pacioretty. The 31-year-old Kuznetsov is pacing for the worst offensive output of his career (0.40 PTS / G) but has three points (0G / 3A) in his last three games.

Kuznetsov was a surprise scratch on Thursday, with the Capitals announcing his absence just over 30 minutes before puck drop. Kuznetsov is in the midst of another disappointing season, registering just five goals and six assists across his first 22 games. He'll get his first chance to return to the lineup on Saturday when the Capitals visit Nashville.

Kuznetsov was a surprising healthy scratch last game as he went through a mental reset and is expected to draw back into the Capitals' lineup Thursday vs. Dallas. The 31-year-old has struggled on both sides of the pick this season, with his four goals, five assists, 42 SOG, 22 PIMs and -5 plus/minus in 19 games played.

Despite averaging a career-high 21:01 time-on-ice, Kuznetsov is pacing for his worst offensive output in a single season with only nine points (4G / 5A) in 19 games. The 11-year veteran has only one point (1G / 0A) in his last six games, most recently centring a line with Sonny Milano and Hendrix Lapierre.

Kuznetsov did not play on Saturday due to an illness and, after participating in the Capitals' morning skate on Wednesday, is still expected to be out of to the lineup against the Buffalo Sabres. After a poor start to the season, tallying a single point (0G / 1A) in his first five games, Kuznetsov has turned things around with seven points (3G / 4A) in his last nine while seeing over two extra minutes of time-on-ice. He is expected back for the Capitals' next matchup.

Kuznetsov (illness) is battling an illness and was a game-time decision against the Florida Panthers. Kuznetsov has rebounded after a slow start to the season, registering four points (1G / 3A) in his past three games.

Kuznetsov is battling an illness and will be a game-time decision against the Florida Panthers. If Kuznetsov is unable to go, Connor McMichael will likely move into the top-six for the Capitals, who also recalled Michael Sgarbossa from Hershey (AHL) on Wednesday. After a slow start to the season, Kuznetsov has four points (1G / 3A) in his past three games.