REPORT: Unsuccessful Blockbuster Trade Hints At A Monster Move In The Works For The Washington Capitals

It's been a tough season for the Washington Capitals with full of ups and downs. One thing to keep an eye for is the questionable future of star forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Monster Roster Shake Up Likely In The Works For The Washington Capitals Following Failed Blockbuster

During the summer, the Washington Capitals actively tried to trade veteran forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, and it seems they came close to making it happen.




Pierre LeBrun reports that there was a deal to send Kuznetsov to the Nashville Predators, reuniting him with former coach Barry Trotz. However, the trade fell through, and it's unclear why. LeBrun speculates that the intended return might have been Matt Duchene, who was later bought out and joined the Dallas Stars. Another player that might have been part of the deal is Ryan Johansen who ended up getting traded to the Colorado Avalanche.


LeBrun notes in The Athletic that Kuznetsov is unlikely to be traded before the summer due to his $7.8 million cap hit and having this year and one more left on his contract. However, there's a chance he could be on the move during the draft or offseason when teams have more salary cap flexibility.

The 2022-23 season hasn't been kind to Kuznetsov, getting healthy scratched for the 1st time since his rookie year and only five goals and 11 points in 27 games.


If the Predators had gone through with the trade, it might have been a positive change of scenery for Kuznetsov. While the Predators may not revisit the trade due to their center depth, other teams could enter the discussions.