Capitals Star Evgeny Kuznetsov finds his next team after waivers

Moments ago, news broke from NHL insiders that Capitals Star Evgeny Kuznetsov has cleared waivers, and will be sent to the AHL's Hersey Bears.

Yesterday, the Capitals made the surprising decision to place the 31 year old star forward on waivers just after he was cleared to return to the NHL after a while in the Player's Assistance Program. The waivers may indicate that the Capitals are wishing Kuznetsov to find his game again in the AHL, but many others have speculated that the team is finally moving on from the star forward.

In 43 games this season, Kuznetsov has struggled greatly with just 6 goals and 17 points, but everyone can see the star power in him - he scored 78 points just three seasons ago, and he's still only 31. Now in the AHL and looking to revive his NHL career entirely at this point, Kuznetsov will be the highest paid player in the history of the league at $7.8M, and that's the real reason no team placed a claim on him. For his salary, it's far too great a risk.


Hopefully, Kuznetsov will find his footing once again and can return to being a productive player by next season.