BREAKING : Washington Capitals Bench Top Forward To 'Reset'

The Washington Capitals are benching Forward Evgeny Kuznetsov as a healthy scratch. According to Head Coach Spencer Carbery, the move is not a punishment, but to give the former All-Star a "mental reset".

Kuznetsov, 31, was removed from the top line with fellow Russian Alex Ovechkin, dropped to the 2nd line, before being moved to the 4th line against the Vegas Golden Knights, in which Kuznetsov ended the game benched. Kuznetsov, who was set to play his 700th NHL game, will be out tonight against the Arizona Coyotes.

Difficulties to start the year have plagued Kuznetsov, who has 4 Goals and 9 Points in 19 Games for the Capitals, who sit 3rd in the Metropolitan Division. Kuznetsov had 55 Points in 81 Games for Washington last season.

Drafted 26th Overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Kuznetsov has spent his entire 11-year NHL career with Washington, with 169 Goals, 391 Assists & 560 Points in 699 Games Played. Kuznetsov, an NHL All-Star in 2016 and 2022, has two years remaining in an eight-year contract, making $7.8M until 2025.