Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended from international play for four years after testing positive for cocaine during the 2019 World Championship, the IIHF announced on Friday.
The IIHF said that Kuznetsov "didn’t require the analysis of his B-sample and was provisionally suspended on 13th June 2019." His suspension will end on June 12, 2023.
In May, a video filmed in the summer of 2018 surfaced, showing Kuznetsov in a Vegas hotel room next to what appeared to be several lines of cocaine.
"I have never used drugs and I am not going to get involved in this," Kuznetsov said at the time, which was ironically the day after the IIHF conducted its test. "If I have questions, I am ready to undergo a medical examination at any time."
Kuznetsov released the following statement through a Capitals release:
"Recently, the IIHF notified me that, due to a positive test for a banned substance, I would be suspended from international competition for four years. I have made the decision to accept this 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. I have disappointed so many people that are important to me, including my family, teammates and friends. From the first day I took the ice in D.C., the Washington Capitals organization and our fans have been nothing but great to me and my family. 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."
The Capitals also released a statement on the IIHF's ruling:
"We are aware of the positive test result and related international sanction that has been imposed on Evgeny Kuznetsov. We are disappointed with this development and take this occurrence seriously. We understand that Evgeny has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program. In addition, 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."
The NHL tests its players at least twice a year for performance-enhancing drugs, but does not suspend players if they test positive for recreational drugs like cocaine or marijuana. If any recreational drugs show up in a drug test, the league provides a player with a notice on how to get help. If there are "dangerously high" levels of a drug, the league comes through directly in person to ask a player if he needs help.
The only way testing positive for recreational drugs on a test could lead to a suspension would be if the player had previously been convicted of a drug-related offense. If a player is convicted, he is automatically enrolled in the NHL's substance abuse program. If a player tests positive for any drugs during his time in the program, then he is in violation of the program and is suspended.
Since Kuznetsov was never arrested for or convicted of a drug-related offense, the IIHF's ruling has no effect on his NHL status.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly released a statement on the ruling:
“Unlike the IIHF, cocaine is not considered a performance enhancing drug and is therefore not a Prohibited Substance under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. 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
“Mr. Kuznetsov has also agreed to an in-person meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his situation and review his conduct prior to the start of Training Camp preceding the 2019-20 season. We intend to reserve further comment on any additional actions that may or may not be taken with respect to today’s announcement (disciplinary or otherwise) pending the completion of the Commissioner’s meeting with Mr. Kuznetsov.”
