ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — As the Washington Capitals closed in on a big-money, long-term deal with Evgeny Kuznetsov, they explored ways to make sure they could afford it under the salary cap.
On Sunday, the Capitals signed Kuznetsov to a $62.4 million, eight-year deal and made room for the talented Russian center by trading forward Marcus Johansson to the New Jersey Devils for 2018 second- and third-round picks.
There was no doubt the Capitals would agree to a long-term deal with Kuznetsov, even amid interest from Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League in him and Orlov, who signed for $30.6 million over six years.
The Capitals already couldn’t afford to bring back winger Justin Williams and defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk and Karl Alzner.
New Jersey has missed the playoffs in each of the past five seasons, so taking advantage of a perennial contender’s jam is just part of the process to try to get back in the postseason mix.
- Marcus Johansson traded to Devils from CapitalsNHL.com
- Capitals, in cap crisis, trade Marcus Johansson to DevilsYahoo Sports
- Capitals re-sign Kuznetsov, trade Johansson to DevilsAOL UK
- Evgeny Kuznetsov signs eight-year, $62.4 million contract with CapitalsNHL.com
- Capitals trade Marcus Johansson to Devils in cost-cutting moveSB Nation
- Capitals sign Evgeny Kuznetsov to 8-year, $62.4 million contract extensionSB Nation
- Capitals trade Marcus Johansson to Devils for pair of picksSportsnet.ca
- Devils acquire Johansson from cap-strapped CapsNorthJersey.com
- Capitals trade Marcus Johansson to DevilsYahoo Sports
