Per the NHL, Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the season by the League for “inappropriate conduct”, a punishment that the Caps’ center will not appeal.
Kuznetsov issued the following statement:
After testing positive for cocaine earlier this summer and accepting a four-year ban from international hockey, Kuznetsov voluntarily began an education and counseling program, which includes regular drug testing. He then met with Commissioner Gary Bettman last week to determine whether there would be any supplemental discipline, which was handed down earlier today.
While cocaine is not a banned substance under the current CBA, the meeting and subsequent punishment stems from Kuznetsov’s actions earlier this summer. Per the Post’s Isabelle Kurshudyan:
Kuznetsov’s teammates and GM Brian MacLellan have all pledged support for him this week:
Kuznetsov will be eligible to return to the lineup on October 8 when the Caps host the Dallas Stars.