Evgeny Kuznetsov deletes all posts on his Instagram page

August 21, 2019 9:34 am

Evgeny Kuznetsov had a controversial summer, and now the fallout has hit his Instagram page.

Kuznetsov has deleted all his photos and video on his Instagram, removed his avatar, and only follows five other accounts: Alex Ovechkin, Abe Hamrah, Designo Motors, @xfiggie, and @rus_crimina.

The downsizing of Kuznetsov’s social media presence comes months after a user posted video of the him sitting near a white, powdery substance. Though the NHL and the Capitals cleared Kuznetsov of wrongdoing, Kuznetsov has subsequently been subject to online harassment. Except for speaking with Sport-Express soon after the video hit social media, Kuznetsov has not done any interviews with the press and has maintained a low profile this summer.

Alex Ovechkin was recently asked about Kuznetsov’s behavior by Sport-Express’s Alexey Shevchenko after dropping the ceremonial first puck ahead of a KHL preseason game.

What do you know about the possible problems Kuznetsov is having?

Alex Ovechkin: “No, what? What is this about? Seems everything is fine with him, stable, good health.”

What happened with [Kuznetsov]’s Instagram?

Alex Ovechkin: “Everything is fine with him.”

Kuznetsov, whose slick stickhandling and outsized personality has made him one of the more popular players in the league, is entering the third year of an eight-year, $62.4 million contract, signed in July 2017. Kuznetsov helped the Capitals to a Stanley Cup in 2018, leading the team in playoff points, but struggled defensively during the 2018-19 season, while still putting up strong numbers offensively.

Kuznetsov is already back in the DC area training for next season, joining the team’s informal skates at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

He has not altered his Twitter page.