Report: Kuznetsov done in Washington

Seravalli says:

�'Simply put, the Caps are tired of Kuznetsov's antics. From being one of the only NHL players to test positive for Covid-19 twice this season, to his four-year suspension from international hockey after testing positive for cocaine, the time is right for change. Kuznetsov is unquestionably a talented player � see his Conn Smythe-worthy playoff run in 2018 � but an inconsistent one. His contract will be difficult to move, but perhaps less so after the Caps pay his $5 million signing bonus due in July.''

For the next four years, the 29-year-old Russian will be paid $7.8 million every season. If the Capitals are serious about selling him, they'll have to take a pay cut and possibly sweeten the deal. To be honest, I don't think the Capitals will be able to get full value for Kuznetsov if they decide to move him this offseason. This is what a "sell low" scenario looks like.

Yes, Kuznetsov suffered this season, but by any measure, this was not a typical season for him. Would it surprise anyone if Kuznetsov returned to a 70-point pace next season? He only had nine goals and 29 points in 41 games this season, which would have been his worst performance since joining the league in 2013-14 over the course of a whole 82-game season. In normal circumstances, he's a consistent 20-goal scorer and definitely has connection with captain Alex Ovechkin. For years, the Capitals have had the luxury of a potent one-two punch at centre ice in Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom.