Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov, who was placed on waivers by the team on Saturday, went unclaimed by the remaining 31 teams in the league and is now officially assigned to the Capitals AHL affiliate Hershey Bears.
Kuznetsov clears
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 3, 2024
The NHL and NHLPA announced on February 5 that Kuznetsov was unavailable to his Club for an indefinite period while he received care from the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL. Kuznetsov officially returned to the team on Saturday, March 2, but was subsequently placed on waivers by the Capitals.
#Caps loan forward Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Hershey Bears (AHL).
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 3, 2024
Kuznetsov has had his worst season to date, tallying just six goals and 17 points in 43 games and has not played since January 27.
Monumental Sports is reporting that Kuznetsov fully intends to report to Hershey, and could begin skating as early as Monday.
Saves $1.15M against the cap for #ALLCAPS https://t.co/DMboBb2YaF
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) March 3, 2024
Ultimately, Kuznetsov is likely to be traded in the coming days, with the Capitals having to retain some percentage of his salary, or provide an additional player to sweeten the deal. If a team had claimed Kuznetsov off of waivers, they would have assumed the entirety of his $7.8 million per season deal.
By Jon Sorensen
The Bears have added him to the roster on their website, will wear 92. I have tried to find examples of expensive NHL players playing for AHL teams and can’t. I’m sure that some have been loaned for conditioning but can’t find a list. I’d like to know if he is the most expensive player on an AHL roster ever.
If he goes, and the Bears win the Calder, I have to believe it would be the most expensive Calder ever.
Just wish I could find applicable records and stats.
The Hershey Bears had Sheldon Souray playing out an NHL contract at significant money.
Smith-Pelly was sent to Hershey, too. I don’t remember how many games he played.
I believe Smith-Pelly play for the Bears in 2018-2019 He had play for 20 games 6 goals 8 assists for 14 points. He had as well 2 penalty minutes and +/- of 2
How quickly we forget about Wade Redden
Per this article he was the highest paid ahl player at the time https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/10/16/3512534/nhl-lockout-2012-wade-redden-rule-ahl
So if 6.5mil was highest ever in the ahl just a few years ago,, Kuzy’s 7.8mil has to be the new record, right?
Good info, Spencer. I was wondering about that.
Thanks Spencer and to everyone trying to find the answer on this. I guess the rule proposed in 2012 didn’t make it because I’m reading that Caps will get full cap relief.
No way Kuzy plays in Hershey, this all ends in a contract termination
Daily Faceoff confirms Kuzy would/will be the highest paid player ever in the AHL.
The Hershey Bears local practice schedule for the week of March 4, 2024 is now available.
Monday, March 4
DAY OFF
Tuesday, March 5
Practice, 10:30 a.m. at GIANT Center
Wednesday, March 6
Travel to Charlotte