The Washington Capitals have placed forward Evgeni Kuznetsov on waivers.

News of the decision came down Saturday, just hours after the center was cleared to resume practicing as he entered the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA assistance program. Kuznetsov entered the program Feb. 6 and has missed Washington's past 12 games.

It's unclear why Kuznetsov, 31, entered the program. Teams are not told details of a player's absence because of confidentiality rules.