Washington Capitals centre Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended from international hockey for four years after a positive test for cocaine at the 2019 IIHF World Championships on May 26. The International Ice Hockey Federation announced the suspension on Friday, although the ban formally took effect on June 13, 2019.
Kuznetsov, 27, will be eligible to return to international play on June 12, 2023, meaning he cannot participate for his homeland, Russia, in the 2022 Winter Olympics. The ban doesn’t apply to his status with the Capitals.
Under the NHL and NHLPA’s joint Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, players are not suspended for positive tests for marijuana or cocaine. Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, said the league is aware of the positive test and the sanction.
“Cocaine is not considered a performance enhancing drug and is therefore not a Prohibited Substance under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program,” Daly said in a league-released statement.
“Instead, it is considered a drug of abuse that is tested for and for which intervention, evaluation and mandatory treatment can occur in appropriate cases. Here, we understand that Mr. Kuznetsov has 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.”
The statement also said that Kuznetsov will meet with Commissioner Gary Bettman to review his conduct prior to the opening of training camp next month. The Capitals said they will continue to support Kuznetsov but were disappointed by his actions.
“We are committed to ensuring he has the necessary support required to work through this situation. We will remain in contact with the NHL as they determine the next steps. Because of the sensitive nature surrounding this matter, there will be no further comment from us at this time,” a team statement said.
In a statement released by the Capitals, Kuznetsov said he had accepted the IIHF penalty. “Representing my country has always been so close to my heart and something I take so much pride in. Not being able to put that sweater on for four years is very hard to take,” Kuznetsov said.
“I have disappointed so many people that are important to me, including my family, teammates and friends.... I feel absolutely terrible for letting you down. I realize that the only way I can win you back is to take ownership of my situation and my actions from this point forward.”
Kuznetsov, 27, is under contract with the Capitals through the 2024-25 season after signing an eight-year, $62.4mn contract in 2017. In five-plus seasons with the Capitals, he has appeared in 416 games, scoring 337 points (101 goals, 236 assists).