Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post is reporting this morning that Washington Capitals Star forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will indeed be suspended by the NHL, for “conduct detrimental to the league”.
The number of games has yet to be released, but it will be no more than three games. The formal announcement will be coming later today.
Breaking: Evgeny Kuznetsov to be suspended by the NHL. Won’t be more than three games. Announcement coming today. https://t.co/kDS1xgbYgn
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) September 14, 2019
This NHL suspension comes after Kuznetsov had a meeting with commissioner Gary Bettman to review his conduct on Monday.
Kuznetsov tested positive for cocaine use at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in May and was suspended from all international competition until 2023.
If Kuznetsov is suspended the full three games, he would miss the season opener in St. Louis, the Capitals’ visit to the Islanders and the home opener vs. Carolina.
UPDATE: 10:30 AM
The NHL made its official release at 10:30 AM This morning. The suspension will be for three games. Kuznetsov will not appeal 3 game suspension:
The National Hockey League announced today that Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended, without pay, for three regular-season games for inappropriate conduct. The Commissioner’s determination came following an in-person meeting in New York on Monday, Sept. 9 with Kuznetsov and NHLPA representatives.
Kuznetsov has informed the League through the NHLPA that he will not be appealing his suspension. The League will have no further comment.
Per a team official, Kuznetsov's cap hit will NOT count against the cap during his suspension. That is really good news Washington.
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 14, 2019
We will update as more information becomes available.
I’m not sure just what particular “Higher Power” to whom Evgeny Kuznetsov directs his prayers. But he should be on his HANDS AND KNEES thanking these Gods for his amazingly lenient sentence!
Kommissar Bettman had every reason and motivation to throw the Communist Manifesto at Kuzy and saddle him with a fifty-game season washout. Yet it is three games or less. Washington Capitals fans and brass can exhale.
Now that Kuznetsov is an official NHL Knucklehead, it will be MOST interesting to watch what transpires with him as the season progresses. I expect he will compete like A Man Possessed and show motivation beyond what we’ve seen from younger Kuzy.
Based on Kuzy being an integral part of the Caps’ early season schedule, Day One officially restores the Caps to the list of bona-fide Stanley Cup Championship contenders
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