According to a report by Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post, the NHL has suspended Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov for three games.

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

NHL To Suspend Kuznetsov

Recall after testing positive for cocaine while representing Russia, during the IIHF World Championships, Kuznetsov earned himself a four-year ban from the IIHF back on Aug. 23.

The IIHF considers cocaine a performance-enhancing drug. While the NHL does not. Normally, a suspension by the IIHF does not lead to a suspension by the NHL. However, the NHL left the door open for the possibility of a suspension once Commissioner Gary Bettman and Kuznetsov met. The meeting had taken place earlier in the week. The NHL was focusing on the fact that Kuznetsov misled them initially back in May after a video surfaced of him while he was in Las Vegas.

NHL Statement

The NHL released a statement citing Kuznetsov has been suspended for three games for “inappropriate conduct.” As part of the suspension, Kuznetsov will not receive any pay.

According to the release, Kuznetsov has informed the League through the NHLPA that he will not be appealing his suspension. The league will have no further comment.

What’s Next

Even though Kuznetsov’s suspension will be only three games, this is a huge loss for the Capitals as Evgeny Kuznetsov is one of their major offensive weapons on the team. They will have to adjust their lines, likely forcing Lars Eller up the lineup. The Capitals have a tough start to the season-opening against the defending Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues. Followed by a visit to the New York Islanders before returning for their home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes.

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