Rumor: Washington Capitals to Trade Evgeny Kuznetsov

The Washington Capitals have once again disciplined Evgeny Kuznetsov as the forward was recently kept out of the lineup because of his off-ice antics. Earlier this season it was for violating the COVID-19 team protocols and this time around details are slim. Rumors have now surfaced from some of the best insiders in hockey that the Capitals are going to listen to trade offers on Kuznetsov this upcoming offseason.

There's certainly going to be a wealth of interest in the 28-year-old as he's a top-2 center on basically any team in the league. So far this season he's recorded 29 points in 41games, which should be considered an off year to his standards. Kuznetsov also happens to be a solid playoff performer and is able to bring his game to another level when it matters most. In 78 career playoff games he's recorded 62 points, which is nothing to shake a stick at.

The former first-round pick has four years left on his contract, paying him $7.8 million per season. He does hold modified no-trade protection where he submits a list of 15 teams to stay away from, and to note his list goes down to 10 teams come 2022 and beyond. Regardless, word is the Capitals are going to gauge the market and see what other forwards are available to swap.

Alex Ovechkin isn't getting any younger so don't expect the Capitals to move Kuznetsov for a package of future considerations. This would be a hockey deal where Washington receives back someone they can insert into their top-2 lines immediately.