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

[Hivemind]

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.

Mike Richards was a much bigger star in Philadelphia than Kuznetsov has ever been in DC. It's not even close.

But league discipline should not factor in a players "star status," and if they ever did, the wrath of the NHLPA would rain down upon the league.

 

[txpd]

Mike Richards was a much bigger star in Philadelphia than Kuznetsov has ever been in DC. It's not even close.

But league discipline should not factor in a players "star status," and if they ever did, the wrath of the NHLPA would rain down upon the league.

The Mike Richards that got busted on LA with the Kings was not a big star.

 

[Corby78]

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.

Copy on lehtera, I didn’t remember all that. I would agree his issue is more serious. I would say to the NHL the other two are not. Remember pro leagues and the legal system are the same. Again at some point they need to draw a line. Doing nothing obviously isn’t helping

 

[Corby78]

Mike Richards was a much bigger star in Philadelphia than Kuznetsov has ever been in DC. It's not even close.

But league discipline should not factor in a players "star status," and if they ever did, the wrath of the NHLPA would rain down upon the league.

I agree star power shouldn’t be a factor. But the league does need to start weighing the image issue, and a bigger star might be the catalyst to action.

 

[Calicaps]

I think the league will move the line. But the NHLPA would probably have a thing to say if they do it now unilaterally. They will need to set a new policy first, maybe as part of the next CBA.

 

[Corby78]

I think the league will move the line. But the NHLPA would probably have a thing to say if they do it now unilaterally. They will need to set a new policy first, maybe as part of the next CBA.

good point, and I wonder if the delay in decision is the league talking with the NHLPA about how to move forward.

 

[Ridley Simon]

He may get a fine for conduct “detrimental to the league” and then the substance will get added to the banned list and anyone after will get suspensions and fines.

It’s not just one moving piece here, IMO

 

[tenken00]

This delay from the meeting with Bettman without any sort of official announcement is getting more worrisome the longer it gets.

 

[Devil Dancer]

The NHL does not have a history of giving the Caps or their players the benefit of the doubt, and I saw a tweet earlier today that Bettman focused on Kuzy's May denial in the hearing. So I won't be shocked if they make an example of Kuzy.

Hope not, but we'll see.

 

[Sam Spade]

Boooo!!!

 

[Ridley Simon]

That’s total bunk.

 

[Marshall]

Kinda surprised there was any NHL discipline, but I can't get too worked up over three games. Let's see Kuzy's motivation level after watching the first three games from the press box.

 

[Skrudland2Lomakin]

Just to clarify, he's being suspended for lying about it, which is "conduct detrimental to the league" not for the actual positive test as the NHL drug policy doesn't suspend players for recreational drug use.

Part of me thinks that if appealed he probably would win and the NHLPA would be more than happy to call BS on suspending him for this, but 3 games is so minor and you know the club/Kuzy just want to move on.


#BadBoysofNHL



FYI last time the Capitals started a season with a player suspended they won a Cup. Bad Boyz LYFE PAYZ

 

[Marshall]

Add - I also wonder if this has a 'message to the players' element about it.

 

[stanleycaps18]

I agree, not going to get upset about this.

 

[snipes]

So it’s the cover up not the act itself for why he was suspended?

 

[Sam Spade]

Add - I also wonder if this has a 'message to the players' element about it.

I would bet this is the ONLY reason. Since he didn't, ya know, actually break any rules.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Three games, no biggie. Hopefully he learned his lesson. Glad the leauge didn't try to make some sort of example out of him.

 

[twabby]

3 games seems fine. The optimist in me thinks this whole ordeal will kickstart Kuzy to having a great season.

 

[ovikovy817]

Hope the preseason games will count lol

 

[searle]

I hope they do something interesting with the lineup for those three games - play one of the rookies rather than just Dowd and Stephenson at 3C/4C

Though besides McMichael who do we even have?

 

[tenken00]

Statement from Evgeny Kuznetsov

Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has released the following statement on the National Hockey League's three game suspension:

"I have decided to accept the NHL's suspension today. I am once again sorry that I have disappointed my family, my teammates, and the Capitals organization and fans. I promise to do everything in my power to win you back with my actions both on and off the ice. I also understand that I am fortunate to have an opportunity to make things right. Thanks to the Capitals, NHL, and NHLPA, I have taken many steps in the right direction and I'm confident that I will continue on that path. I am grateful for everyone's support and I'm looking to move forward from this point. While I can appreciate that people may have additional questions, I will not be commenting further on this matter."

 

[Blades of Steel]

“Caps avoid salary cap crisis”

Thanks Kuzy!!!

 

[ALLCAPSALLTHETIME]

3 games is fine.

While he is suspended, he will not count towards the salary cap, anyway.

Hopefully, he'll smarten up.

 

[txpd]

“Caps avoid salary cap crisis”

Thanks Kuzy!!!

That doesn't make any sense to me. IIRC when Tom Wilson was suspended last season, his cap hit remained and the team could not replace him on the roster. How does being suspended help the Caps cap issues?

Wilson’s cap hit will remain on the team’s payroll. This wasn’t a major issue in past years, but Wilson signed a big new contract with a big new cap hit to go with it in the summer. That means Wilson’s salary will essentially be dead space for the length of his suspension, making it that much harder to replace him.
In addition, Wilson still counts towards the team’s 23-player maximum.

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/everything-you-need-know-about-tom-wilsons-suspension