John Carlson, Logan Thompson, and Evgeny Kuznetsov Draw Hundreds of Capitals Fans to Southern Maryland Autograph Event trucc

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — Two current stars of the Washington Capitals, defenseman John Carlson and goaltender Logan Thompson, made their way down to Southern Maryland on Saturday to sign autographs for hundreds of fans during Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM’s eleventh annual community appreciation event. Carlson and Thompson were joined by 2018 Stanley Cup champion centerman Evgeny Kuznetsov and former Capitals rearguard Al Iafrate, who won the NHL’s Hardest Shot competition twice in his career.

Beloved Monumental Sports Network analyst Craig Laughlin also milled about, signing autographs and taking photos with fans. Of course, he also brought along his trademark humor.

“Oh no, why are you here?!” Laughlin said to me when I arrived. “Who invited you?”

According to the dealership, due to the large number of Caps fans in attendance, they had to make further arrangements with the players to have them stay past their original 2 pm deadline. To give you an idea of just how popular the event was, security cameras showed the first people arriving to get in line for wristbands at an astounding 5:50 am.

The most notable inclusion for the event was Kuznetsov, who hasn’t played for the Capitals since the 2023-24 season. The dealership learned the Russian forward was in town thanks to a viral story of him playing beer-league hockey the week before at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

“Wouldn’t it be cool if we could get him to come?” PFCJDR comptroller and event coordinator, Dee Aud, recalled saying to herself when she saw the news.

Kuznetsov brought the same infectious energy that he had when dazzling on the Capital One Arena ice for a decade. Smiling ear-to-ear, Kuzy cracked jokes with Carlson and Thompson — the sound of his joyful cackle bouncing off the walls of the dealership.

At one point, the NHL’s leading scorer in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs obliged a fan’s request to take a selfie together, leaning well over the table to make the moment happen. Kuznetsov and Carlson also signed countless Stanley Cup items. Logan Thompson even added his mark on some of them as well.

“It’s fun surprising the community and fans with the opportunity to meet and greet people they only see on TV or at the games,” Aud said.

Towards the end of the players’ appearances, Kuzy, as well as others, were presented a challenge coin by Calvert County Sheriff Ricky Cox, who attended the event.

As the players made their way to the back of the dealership to exit, Aud asked Thompson, who finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting this past season, if he would take a picture with her. Thompson obliged. As Aud asked her daughter to photograph the special moment, Kuznetsov grabbed the phone out of her hands.

These are the following photos he took.

“I had to laugh when I started looking through the pictures for the day,” Aud said. “He was quite funny.”

One item that Kuznetsov autographed before leaving was a Hershey Bears’ 2024 Calder Cup champions hat. Kuznetsov spent five days with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate that year, leaving an indelible mark on teammates and coaches, before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Kuznetsov beamed with pride when I told him that he was technically a part (a very, very small part) of that championship team.

“I know! I asked them for a day with the Calder Cup,” he said, seriously.

The moment ultimately didn’t pan out. However, the comment once again illustrated how much pride Kuznetsov took being a part of the Capitals organization and how much he loves playing hockey, anywhere, at any level, even at local rinks for men’s league games over the summer.

While it’s unclear where he will end up playing professionally next season, Kuzy was as down-to-earth, happy, and humble as I’ve ever seen him. And if there’s anything I take from the day, beyond Locker’s ribbing, it was that.