Washington Capitals general manager Brian McLellan announced the decision to include Russian hockey player Evgeny Kuznetsov in the waiver draft. His words were quoted by journalist Tariq Al-Bashir on the social network X.
McLellan said Kuznetsov’s departure from the team was a new beginning for the player. “He was looking for a change of scenery, and the draft waiver could put in place mechanisms that would allow that to happen,” he said.
Official website of the National Hockey League (NHL) March 2 reportedHe said Kuznetsov has completed the NHL Assistance Program, which he has been participating in since mid-February.
The program works with players who are experiencing drug or alcohol addiction as well as psychological issues.
In the fall of 2019, Kuznetsov was disqualified for using cocaine. The NHL suspended him for three games, and the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) suspended him for four years from participating in international tournaments and matches of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Kuznetsov has been playing for the Capitals since 2014, and before that he played only for Traktor Chelyabinsk. His contract with Washington runs through 2025 with an average salary of $7.8 million per season.
This NHL season, the Russian took part in 43 team matches, scoring six goals and 11 assists.
Ovechkin before reduced Behind Gretzky.