Surprisingly, the team has placed him on waivers, a decision reportedly initiated by Kuznetsov himself.
According to Caps GM Brian McClellan, Kuznetsov sought a fresh start and requested the move, indicating that this step sets the wheels in motion for a potential change.
It's worth noting that Kuznetsov was placed on regular waivers for assignment to the AHL, not unconditional waivers for contract termination. His contract, with a $7.8 million annual cap hit, extends beyond this season, adding an intriguing element to the situation.