The Washington Capitals have traded forward Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick, the teams announced Friday.
The Capitals will be retaining 50 per cent of the $7.8 million owed to Kuzentov this season and next.
The 31-year-old Russian is not yet cleared to play while receiving care under the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Kuznetsov went on waivers Saturday, hours after the league and union revealed he had progressed in the program to the point of being able to join the Capitals for practice. General manager Brian MacLellan said the organization and Kuznetsov’s camp were looking for a change of scenery.
Kuznetsov has been practicing with the AHL’s Hershey Bears since clearing waivers. He has just 17 points in 43 games this season.
-With files from the Associated Press.