The Washington Capitals have made the decision to place forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers, as announced on Saturday. Kuznetsov, who recently completed the Player Assistance Program, has registered 17 points, including six goals and 11 assists, in 43 games this season.

If Kuznetsov clears waivers, he will be assigned to Hershey of the American Hockey League. The 31-year-old forward has not taken the ice since January 27th and entered the Player Assistance Program on February 5th. However, he received clearance earlier on Saturday to resume practicing with the Capitals and has now entered the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

This season, Kuznetsov has been a healthy scratch on multiple occasions and is currently on pace for his lowest point production since the 2020-2021 season when he recorded 29 points in 41 games. He still has one season remaining on his eight-year, $62.4 million contract, signed with Washington on July 2, 2017.

Selected in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft, Kuznetsov has been a key player for the Capitals throughout his career, accumulating 568 points in 723 regular-season games. He has also been a force in the postseason, posting 67 points in 87 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Kuznetsov played an instrumental role in helping the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018, leading the postseason in scoring with 32 points to his name.

The Capitals, currently holding a record of 28-22-9, face the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday. They are trailing the Philadelphia Flyers by four points for third place in the Metropolitan Division with two games in hand. Additionally, the team is in pursuit of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a five-point advantage, albeit with three games in hand.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Kuznetsov and his role within the Washington Capitals organization.