Report: Stellar post-season to pay-off for young star!

Evgeny Kuznetsov didn't file for arbitration. The 23-year-old restricted free agent should get a deal done with the Washington Capitals in the near future according to the Washington Post. Contrary to a lot of young players, Kuznetsov has shown a willingness to accept a bridge contract from the team. Per The Washington Post:

The Washington Capitals and forward Evgeny Kuznetsov are working on a contract extension to retain their second-line center for between two and three years, according to his agent. “I think we have a good dialogue,” Maxim Molliver said Sunday afternoon. “We’re motivated to get it done. We’re having good conversations with the Caps.”

According to the author Alex Prewitt, Kuznetsov could get a significant raise from his rookie contract, looking for a $3M salary. Drafted in the first round, 26th overall by the Capitals in the 2010 NHL draft, Kuznetsov showed some great improvement througout his first full season in Washington. The 23-year-old center recorded 37 points in 80 games and saw his role increase throughout the season. After playing around 13 minutes a night in the regular season, he had a bigger role in the team postseason's run, even spending some time on the first line between Alex Ovechkin and Joel Ward. He finished the postseason with seven points in 14 games, notching the series clinching goal againts the Islanders in the first round. Kuznetsov played five seasons in the KHL before coming to North America. After a tough first season in which he recorded only nine points, Kuznetsov had some great moments in Russia, notably registering 44 points in 51 games in 2012-2013.