On Friday morning, Evgeny Kuznetsov received a four-year suspension from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for testing positive for cocaine. The Russian forward of the Washington Capitals failed the test during the 2019 IIHF World Championships.
What Does It Mean For Kuznetsov
Kuznetsov will not be eligible to play any IIHF event. These events include the Olympics and the World Championships. According to multiple reports, the NHL will not penalize Kuznetsov with any penalty, suspension, or fine.
Statement from the Caps and Kuznetsov pic.twitter.com/u46SymFinY
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) August 23, 2019
The Viral Video
Earlier this summer Kuznetsov was caught on a video with cocaine lines on a table. The video released during the 2019 IIHF World Championships and Kuznetsov immediately denied any involvement with cocaine. He claimed he was at “wrong place, wrong time.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=5lRAOB91gG0%2520frameborder%3D0%2520allow%3Daccelerometer%3B%2520autoplay%3B%2520encrypted-media%3B%2520gyroscope%3B%2520picture-in-picture%2520allowfullscreen
How The NHL Is Dealing With The Situation
The Capitals forward will meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss the incident.
Statement from NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on Evgeny Kuznetsov pic.twitter.com/e9MTrKb17I
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) August 23, 2019
According to the NHL, Kuznetsov had “voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program.”
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