Capitals send Kuznetsov to Hurricanes

The Washington Capitals are trading forward Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick, the clubs announced.

Washington will retain 50% of Kuznetsov's $7.8-million cap hit through 2024-25.

Kuznetsov had spent his entire 11-year career with the Capitals. He helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2018, leading all playoff skaters with 20 assists and 32 points in 24 games.

However, the veteran forward has had a difficult 2023-24 campaign. He entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in early February and was cleared last Saturday. But the Capitals placed him on waivers shortly thereafter, and he went unclaimed on the wire Sunday.

Kuznetsov, who'll turn 32 on May 19, has collected six goals and 11 assists while averaging 18:47 of ice time over 43 contests this season.