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Capitals coach Trotz on Kuznetsov: He's 'a strong candidate for that second-line spot'

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals got a look at one of their prospects near the end of last season and have a plan for Evgeny Kuznetsov going into his first full NHL season.

Head coach Barry Trotz wants Kuznetsov to take some pressure off Nicklas Backstrom as one of the team's top centers.

"I talked to him about coming in and playing center, which he did more in Europe than he did here," Trotz told NHL.com. "He's got a really high skill level."

Kuznetsov came to the Capitals after leaving his KHL team after they failed to make the playoffs. His nine points in 17 games at the end of last season were a welcome surprise to the organization.

"He's going to be adjusting. I think he can really be a strong candidate for that second-line spot and really take some heat off the Backstrom spot on the top line. I think he'll be able to make those plays," Trotz explained.

Kuznetsov feels he's ready to take on more responsibility - the only hurdle left to jump is learning English.

"It's a totally different culture. It's obviously a big adjustment. The language barrier is the biggest thing," Kuznetsov said.

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