Kuznetsov confirmed he experienced COVID-19 symptoms during quarantine, but said he feels healthy now and has been cleared medically to play.
"It's definitely not fun and it's not easy days," Kuznetsov said. "Now I understand people who have symptoms or not symptoms, whatever, it's just tough days, you know? But I'm feeling good now, and my heart is good, everything good, so I can practice hard. So that's already passed."
Kuznetsov, who has scored three points (one goal, two assists) in four games this season, practiced Monday on a line with Richard Panik and Daniel Sprong. Alex Ovechkin played against the Boston Bruins after his quarantine ended Jan. 30, but the left wing's layoff wasn't as long as Kuznetsov's and he did not experience COVID-19 symptoms when he was in protocol.
"Alex was different," Laviolette said. "This is [Kuznetsov's] second day on the ice. I think Alex just went right into the fire and said he wanted to play. That was the conversation, direction we went in and we tried to limit his minutes to put him in an area where he felt good and comfortable, but as soon as he got past that, we started to load the minutes a little bit and double-shift a little bit to get him back into shape."
Samsonov went on the ice for the first time Monday after riding the stationary bicycle Sunday. He last played Jan. 17 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will need more practices to get his timing back.
"It's really up to me how I progress," Samsonov said. "I'm hoping tomorrow's practice will be easier, and the day after will be easier as well, so I'm just kind of taking a one-day-at-a-time approach here, but I'm remaining positive.
"There were a few days that were challenging for me. Had trouble breathing for a little bit there and walking a bit. Couple days where I felt pretty sick, but I'm starting to feel better and I'm at the point now where I feel comfortable."
Defenseman Justin Schultz also returned to practice for the first time since being struck in the face with the puck against the New York Islanders on Jan. 28. Schultz, who wore a full shield, said he had some damage to his teeth and "a couple small fractures there, but nothing too serious."
Schultz scored six points (two goals, four assists) and led the Capitals with a plus-9 rating in eight games before missing the past four. He is day to day.
"I think tomorrow's definitely in the air," Shultz said. "We'll see how I respond to this and go from there."
