To consolidate, here are the theorized potential trade partners:

BOS
CAR
COL
DAL
EDM
FLA
MIN
MTL
NSH
NYR
PHI
SEA
STL
TB
VAN
VGK

Just to make this clear, this is not a list of teams it would make sense for them to acquire Kuznetsov. Trades to half of these teams would never happen with the current rosters they have. But this is where I believe Kuzy would waive to go to.

You blocked San Jose twice btw.

As for Columbus, they have a pretty good mix of russians in their lineup plus a player similar to Ovi to build easy chemistry with. As it stands I dont thibk Jones want to resign right now but that doesnt mean he wants out either. Columbus could bring in a solid coach thay will make players happier there. To summarize I dont entirely think he wpuld nlock them as an option

Whoops, the first time I went over this, I accidentally skipped over Pittsburgh and went to San Jose. I forgot to delete the first San Jose to keep it in alphabetical order and now my count is a little off. I'll fix that.

Kuzy is such an enigma to me. We make a ton of sense but I'd hate it if we ended up with an $8M 60 point center that's lazy in their own zone... On the flip side I'd love it if he had a resurgence in his career and returned to PPG form

Honestly, after watching the way Kaprizov plays, it wouldn't surprise me if the two of them absolutely blew up together. Kuzy has been on a decline, so they could get him for a very fair/cheap price. I think he will be well worth the 7.8M cap hit for the next four seasons, especially next to Kaprizov. I truly think he will bounce back. His second half of the season was much better than the first half.

Kuzy would waive to Philly but Philly wouldn't really want him due to his contract and to the fact that our center core is good enough as what it is now.

Why does he need other Russians on his team?
He has been in US for 7 years, plenty of time to acculturate.

He should be going to where he can play top-6 role
(and stay out of trouble).

I'd think some of ascendant teams (OTT, ANA) would be more interesting to some that may be hitting a down stretch (STL, PHI)

I think MINN makes the most sense, they don't have a 1C really and him and Kaprisov could be dangerous. I have been saying Schenn for Kuzy for a few days now. Blues have a few Russian forwards in Tarasenko, Barbashev, and Kostin as well.

I agree, it wouldn't make sense for him to go to Philly. Plenty of guys there who can play center and you don't need another 8M forward.

I could see Ottawa. I don't think he NEEDS Russians on the destination team, but I think he would much prefer it. He gravitates towards Russians (Ovi, Orlov, and Sammy are like his best friends here in DC).

Schenn for Kuzy one for one? Or with one side adding?

Especially with Hayes already eating 7 million of our salary.

Seems very thought out and realistic

Imo the top destination for Kuzy are Vegas, Minnesota, NYR

blues might have to add a little

Thank you! I wanted to put some time into it and see what others thought.

Minnesota seems to be the most realistic destination. I think the caps will try to avoid trading within the division but I could see Kuznetsov being happy there in New York. And Vegas is a little cap-strapped, so that's a tossup to me.

Depending on what Seattle does this offseason, they could be an interesting trade partner too.

Honestly I just looked at his stats and I'd do that trade one for one.

Only issue is that Schenn has a full NTC it looks like. I'm not sure he waives after signing an 8 year deal in STL. I'd be happy to have him though.

Great summary.

Can see it happening...
DAL - Kinda makes sense
MIN - Agree, good fit
NYR - Maybe as Eichel consolation prize
VGK - Purely for on-ice needs

Maybe add...
ANA - Team on upswing...maybe more likely as 2022 move
OTT - Tons of cap space and spot as top-6 center

Can't see it happening...
BOS - I'd think doubtful if Krejci returns
CAR - Caps would need to take some cap back (I'm assuming they re-up with Hamilton)
COL
EDM
FLA - Not until Barkov gets extended
MTL
NSH
PHI - They need to be selling some of their big ticket forwards first
SEA
STL - exiting their window
TB - No cap
VAN - Need cap for RFAs

Agreed for the most part on your evaluation. I could see St. Louis making a move if they wanted to trade Schenn for some reason (I doubt that happens). Boston is such an outside pick but I agree it's possible depending on the Krejci contract. I think Ottawa is a little more likely than Anaheim, but totally get the reasoning for both.

I wonder who would offer the best most realistic offer for Kuzy? Ive seen non Caps fans offers and Caps fans offer and there is a disparaging gap.

I think non Caps fans expect to get him for a song while many Caps fans think hes full value (He is not) As always i think the truth is somewhere in the middle.

As for value, it'll depend on what Wsh prefers. Cap space or quality. If its cap space meaning the offering team sends little to no cap back, itll be less than what Caps fans think IMHO. Not nothing, but definitely less than ive seen on some CF trades. If they are willing to take back equal or close to equal cap+term, i think they'll get the good prospect and 1st rounder +.