• Associated Press

Mar 22, 2024, 08:23 PM ET

WASHINGTON —

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    “It was an amazing 11 years,” Kuznetsov said. “It’s nice to be back here, play hockey. I wish them all the best. They got a pretty good team, and it’s all positive.”

    After playing 810 regular-season and playoff games for the Capitals since they drafted him in the first round in 2010, the Chelyabinsk, Russia, native put up five points in his first eight with Carolina.

    “Everything he’s done since coming to us has been great,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “I think he’s been very appreciative of how everything has kind of transpired. The past is kind of the past, and we’re trying to make sure we’re focusing on just a day at a time and making him try to feel as comfortable as possible.”

    The Hurricanes have lost just twice in 10 games since acquiring Kuznetsov and Jake Guentzel prior to the trade deadline. Guentzel, who has his own return to Pittsburgh upcoming, enjoyed watching his longtime rival turned teammate be celebrated in Washington.

    “It’s special just to see what he’s done for this city,” Guentzel said. “He’s been obviously a high-end player, so it’s really cool to see when the fans get behind him like that.”