Washington Capitals all Praise for the returning Evgeny Kuznetsov

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Tom Banks
March 22, 2024 (11:30 PM)

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Evgeny Kuznetsov was traded by the Washington Capitals at the deadline, and ahead of his return, the team are all praise for the veteran star.

After struggling to start the 2023-24 season, 31-year old veteran forward Evgeny Kuznetsov was given a fresh start by the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline when they moved him to the division rival Carolina Hurricanes.

That fresh start has seemingly worked, as Kuznetsov has 2 goals and 5 points in just 8 games with Carolina, compared to 6 goals and 17 points in 43 games played with the Capitals this season. Now, Evgeny Kuznetsov is preparing to return to Capital One Arena to face the Washington Capitals for the first time after spending 11 seasons with the team.

While plenty of return games come with animosity from former teammates and fans, this couldn't be more opposite, as the Washington Capitals are full of praise for their former teammate.

"I'm happy for him and that he's landed on his feet, and I think that was the objective. You would've loved for it to be the fairytale ending of Kuzy being able to play here for years to come and retire as a Capital. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way," head coach Spencer Carbery said. "For him and not as a hockey player, but as a human being, he needed to get a fresh start and leave this environment. I thank that from having seen him... it's positive."

"Kuzy's a great guy. I loved having him here," Connor McMichael said. "He was always so fun and always bringing a lot of energy to the group."

"Kuzy had a lot of great moments here... it'll be special," Hendrix Lapierre added. "Looks like he's doing pretty well in Carolina and having fun. I think we're all happy for him."

Now, Kuznetsov recognizes that this may be his best shot at another Stanley Cup after winning one in Washington, revealing how grateful he is to be in Carolina, a team he called a 'perfect match'.

«I was never running away from the mistakes I made in the past I learn a lot," Kuznetsov said after the trade, calling Carolina the "perfect match" for him. "Like I said, this is my last opportunity; this is my last chance. Everything is in my power right now."

After a difficult year in Washington, the veteran is finally enjoying hockey again, and there's simply no people happier than former teammates with the Capitals.

Source: Capitals sound off ahead of return of Evgeny Kuznetsov