Washington Rumored In Potential Deal For Star Winger

The Washington Capitals have been linked to Russian Forward Andrei Kuzmenko, according to Sportsnet Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman on 'The Jeff Marek Show'.

Kuzmenko, who has been a healthy scratch for the Canucks, was believed to be a player Washington had interest in, but Friedman believes there isn't a suitable trade there.

Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal reported last week that an unnamed Eastern Conference team was interested in Kuzmenko, but if that team was Washington is unknown.

Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet said that the decision to scratch Kuzmenko against the Nashville Predators, his fourth scratch of the year, was from a Hockey standpoint, although Kuzmenko may return for Thursday's game vs Dallas.

Kuzmenko, 27, has 6 Goals and 17 Points for the Canucks this season, who are 2nd in the Western Conference with 46 Points, 1 point back of Vegas at first. Kuzmenko, who has been playing bottom-six minutes recently, has struggled to match last season's 39 Goal, 74 Point output in his first NHL season in North America.

Another complication is Washington expected to soon finalize the signing of D Ethan Bear, who is nearing a multi-year deal and has begun skating with the team.

Friedman mentioned Anthony Mantha as a potential return for Kuzmenko, but recent play by Mantha would likely complicate things with the Capitals a point behind Tampa Bay for the final playoff spot in the East.

Kuzmenko has a two-year, $11M contract, making $5.5M until the end of the 2024-25 season, with a partial No-Trade Clause.