News Article: Kuznetsov Banned by IIHF for 4 years - Cocaine found in probe/Upd: Suspended 1st 3 gms of '19 season

[Raikkonen]

He could easily use any reason to skip the tournament. I guess its a thing developed lately and his last Worlds it wasnt a problem (pure guess).

This last May he should have known (knew?) what hes doing. But no.

I estimate the probability of the addiction higher than that of reckless recreation.

Sad.

 

[John Price]

 

[Calicaps]

Ovie has to be pissed. He's got a Cup but you know he still wants an Olympic medal, gold preferably, and Kuzy would have been a big piece of Team Russia in 2022.

 

[hockeykicker]

Ovie has to be pissed. He's got a Cup but you know he still wants an Olympic medal, gold preferably, and Kuzy would have been a big piece of Team Russia in 2022.

As if bettman will let nhl players go in 2022 lol

 

[Calicaps]

As if bettman will let nhl players go in 2022 lol

Isn't it Beijing? Bettman's been hyping the NHL in China for years. Can't see him missing that marketing opportunity.

 

[tenken00]

This week is big for Kuznetsov, as he is supposed to meet with Commissioner Bettman sometime within the next few days. Any punishment from the NHL (if any at all) will happen after that meeting.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

This week is big for Kuznetsov, as he is supposed to meet with Commissioner Bettman sometime within the next few days. Any punishment from the NHL (if any at all) will happen after that meeting.

Really, had not heard this was happening.

 

[tenken00]

Really, had not heard this was happening.

Ah I saw it in a few articles. But this is the most recent one taken from Isabella:

If Kuznetsov also receives NHL discipline is up to Commissioner Gary Bettman, and the two are set to meet this week, before the start of training camp.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...hat-will-bottom-six-forward-configuration-be/

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Nothing like getting chastised by the Commish.

 

[twabby]

Someone on Twitter confirmed that Kuznetsov and Bettman met yesterday. I'll try to dig up the link.

Edit:

 

[txpd]

Ov needs to give Kuzy that bicycle

 

[Devil Dancer]

Ov needs to give Kuzy that bicycle

Backstrom might need a riding partner.

Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson Ride Bicycles to Olympic Game (Photos)

 

[Foots]

Any news from Kuzy's meeting with Bettman?

 

[tenken00]

Any news from Kuzy's meeting with Bettman?

Not yet. Just that Kuzy isn't allowed to speak to the media until Bettman gives out the ruling.

 

[Corby78]

I have a feeling bettman will do something. I don’t think he wants the backlash of letting this go with a stern talking too.

 

[Hivemind]

I have a feeling bettman will do something. I don’t think he wants the backlash of letting this go with a stern talking too.

The NHL would be hypocrites to suspend Kuznetsov for this, considering he didn't fail an NHL drug test, the widespread cocaine use in the NHL, and that they didn't suspend Jarrett Stoll, Mike Richards, or even Jori Lehtera.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Is there any kind of reciprocity between the NHL and IIHF that could conceivably support the NHL extending his suspension to league games?

 

[txpd]

The NHL would be hypocrites to suspend Kuznetsov for this, considering he didn't fail an NHL drug test, the widespread cocaine use in the NHL, and that they didn't suspend Jarrett Stoll, Mike Richards, or even Jori Lehtera.

Those 3 guys and Kuznetsov are two completely different things. I doubt they will be treated the same way.

 

[RandyHolt]

Dip the beaker into the toilet duh

Swish it around in your mouth to warm it up...

 

[txpd]

I hadn't thought about this til just now. If Kuzy is suspended, he cant be replaced on the roster and his salary cap hit stands. If Kempny cant start the season, he can be replaced on the roster if moved to IR, but his salary cap hit stands. If the Caps have two salary capped players unable to play, will they be able to fill a complete team?

 

[Corby78]

The NHL would be hypocrites to suspend Kuznetsov for this, considering he didn't fail an NHL drug test, the widespread cocaine use in the NHL, and that they didn't suspend Jarrett Stoll, Mike Richards, or even Jori Lehtera.

And? What pro league hasn't gone back and forth on punishments depending on the situation. I don't want to see Kuzy miss any time, but I wouldn't be surprised. And while Stoll, Richards, Lehtera are similar cases in the last couple years (although none failed a drug test that I know of), at some point the NHL needs to start dealing with players using recreational drugs. At some point they will move the line and set a new standard for dealing with these things.

 

[Hivemind]

Those 3 guys and Kuznetsov are two completely different things. I doubt they will be treated the same way.

You're right, they are different things. What each of those three guys did was a far more serious offense than Kuznetsov. Richards was detained at the border and charged with possession. Stoll was arrested and charged with possession. Both plead out. Lehtera was convicted in his case, and is currently serving a four month suspended prison sentence.

If the NHL doesn't suspend the guys who are getting arrested for smuggling drugs across borders and distributing cocaine, why would they possibly suspend the guy who just failed a drug test?

 

[Corby78]

You're right, they are different things. What each of those three guys did was a far more serious offense than Kuznetsov. Richards was detained at the border and charged with possession. Stoll was arrested and charged with possession. Both plead out. Lehtera was convicted in his case, and is currently serving a four month suspended prison sentence.

If the NHL doesn't suspend the guys who are getting arrested for smuggling drugs across borders and distributing cocaine, why would they possibly suspend the guy who just failed a drug test?

How is getting caught holding drugs more serious then getting caught doing drugs? All three were caught with an amount of a casual user, Richards wasn't charged with distribution, in fact the possession charge was stayed by Canada. By the way it did cost him a contract with the kings.

 

[Hivemind]

How is getting caught holding drugs more serious then getting caught doing drugs? All three were caught with an amount of a casual user, Richards wasn't charged with distribution, in fact the possession charge was stayed by Canada. By the way it did cost him a contract with the kings.

The distribution was in reference to Lehtera. Philadelphia Flyers forward Jori Lehtera is being investigated for his role in a Finnish cocaine ring
Each of those guys faced legal trouble, which Kuznetsov is not facing. If you're in trouble with the law, it's pretty much by definition a bigger issue than if you're not.

Richards losing his Kings contract was not a punishment handed down by the league.

 

[txpd]

You're right, they are different things. What each of those three guys did was a far more serious offense than Kuznetsov. Richards was detained at the border and charged with possession. Stoll was arrested and charged with possession. Both plead out. Lehtera was convicted in his case, and is currently serving a four month suspended prison sentence.

If the NHL doesn't suspend the guys who are getting arrested for smuggling drugs across borders and distributing cocaine, why would they possibly suspend the guy who just failed a drug test?

That i recall, none of those players were stars of the league. For certain none of those players images were pointed directly at children. Kuznetsov is a star. A big one. He gets a lot more attention as a result. He does far more damage to the league as a result.